The management of the Power Boat Mutual Facilities in Chaguaramas is hoping that yachties would be able to purchase fuel at an international rate today.

Manager at Power Boat, Donald Stollmeyer, told the Express yesterday that after several meetings with officials from National Petroleum (NP) and the Ministry of Energy, a decision was made to utilise a tank and a dispenser which are already in place, and supply fuel to foreign flag vessels at an international rate on behalf of NP since Power Boat only has a licence to supply subsidised fuel. Stollmeyer could not say how long it will take Power Boat to obtain a bunkering licence to sell at an international rate as it was a long and tedious process. He added that the international price of fuel would be updated once a week by NP.

Stollmeyer is however concerned that the ban placed on yachties, prohibiting them from purchasing subsidised fuel, is already having a negative impact on the industry.

"I'm very concerned about the fallout of this situation. It will have a negative impact on the industry. I've had many emails from people saying that because of the situation they will not come," he said.

Two large fishing operations "Tyson's Pride" and the "Sea Condo" owned by wealthy American tycoons which were scheduled to come to Trinidad and Tobago have been advised by fellow yachtie Al Roper not to come because of the uncertain situation.