Since last weekend, reports have been circulating that poor-quality petroleum products are being sold on the Haitian market. Motorists and motorcyclists are complaining about breakdowns affecting their vehicles after using fuel. After making the rounds on social media, the information reached the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. According to a note published this Wednesday, the MCI says it has taken note of the information circulated in recent days and is calling on the population to exercise restraint while awaiting the results of technical verifications.

According to the note, no definitive conclusion can be drawn as to whether the shipment concerned complies or does not comply with standards in the absence of the required technical and scientific analyses. Are these analyses underway? When will the results be available? The note does not answer these questions. It also reminds importers and distributors of petroleum products of their legal obligation to place on the market products that comply with the standards and requirements in force. The MCI also recalls that any duly established non-compliance will lead to the application of the measures provided for under Article 16 of the decree of March 11, 2020. Is that enough to reassure consumers?