Government Condemns Wilsons Fuel Cutting Supply to 12 Retailers

The Nova Scotia government is disappointed with the decision by Wilsons Fuel Company Limited to cut off supply to 12 rural gas stations.

Wilsons is the only major wholesaler to take this action.

"It is unfortunate that Wilsons has chosen to take this approach, at the peril of small businesses across the province," said Angus MacIsaac, acting Minster of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

Despite the decision and its impact on small, rural businesses, consumers will be able to purchase gasoline at other retailers close by.

Graham Conrad, executive director of the Nova Scotia Retail Gasoline Dealers Association, has expressed his displeasure to government with the company's actions.

"I am shocked at the behaviour of Wilsons Fuels," said Mr. Conrad. "I am disappointed in how insensitive these actions are to small businesses across the province."

Mr. MacIsaac said the rising cost of gas worldwide is hard on everyone.

"It's hard on wholesalers, it's hard on retailers, it's hard on consumers," he said. "We commend the continued commitment of major gasoline suppliers who continue to serve their retailers and Nova Scotians."

Gas regulation was put in place to balance the concerns of both industry and consumers. Gasoline wholesalers advised they needed about 6.3 cents a litre to be viable, and regulation is delivering that over the long term.