Venezuela Fuel Retailers Press Government to Hike Pump Prices

Employees pump fuel at a gas station in Caracas.Photographer: Federico Parra/AFP/Getty Images

Venezuela’s gasoline retailers declared a national “emergency” following six years of scant profit margins, opening another potential flank for the country’s new interim leader over politically sensitive pump prices.

The Venezuelan association of retailers is demanding that the government raise gasoline prices and unify sales criteria for different grades throughout the country, according to a statement seen by Bloomberg.