Santo Domingo.- The National Association of Gasoline Retailers (Anadegas) announced that its 780 affiliated gas stations will disconnect Verifone electronic payment services on September 25, citing what the organization considers excessive costs for fuel retailers.

Anadegas President Juan Elías Pérez said gas station owners cannot afford to surrender 27% of their gross profits to electronic payment services.

Pérez said the decision was approved by Anadegas’ regional branches and that the organization’s national and regional leaders will continue meeting with station owners ahead of the planned nationwide action.

The association acknowledged efforts by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs and the executive director of Pro Consumidor to mediate the dispute, but said those efforts have not produced a solution that adequately addresses retailers’ concerns.

Anadegas calls for changes to electronic payment costs

Pérez also said the National Federation of Merchants has publicly backed the gas station owners’ demands. He called on other businesses—including hardware stores, auto parts retailers, appliance stores and small supermarkets—to pay attention to the issue, arguing that they face similar costs associated with electronic payment systems.

“Out of 34 countries, we are the ones who pay the most for the use of Verifone, and we will not accept that from anyone,” Pérez said.

Anadegas plans to hold meetings and mobilization activities throughout the week to inform station owners and coordinate the September 25 action.

The association said support for the measure is “massive” among its 780 affiliated stations and emphasized that its members remain united.

Despite the planned disconnection, Anadegas said it remains open to dialogue and hopes an agreement can be reached establishing what it considers fairer conditions for fuel retailers and the costs associated with electronic payment services.