I have done extensive research into this matter. It so happens that diesel fuel has the lowest cost to produce and purchase from the refinery, and thus should sell for about 10 percent less than "regular" (low octane) gasoline but it does not, and that is because the vendors have boosted the price.
Investigating the reason for the higher prices of fuel in St. Thomas and St. John can be summed up in one word: gouging.
If a vendor could, and would, start a business selling gasoline to the taxi drivers in St. Thomas from a tank-truck on a regular basis you would soon see prices plummet.
Remember the $50,000 word is gouging, and the money does not need to be spent.
Merv Baer
St. Croix
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