Economy
The potential sale to Venezuela of a 49 percent stake of the state-owned Dominican Petroleum Refinery (Refidomsa) has caused increasing opposition since some people consider that it could jeopardize the supply of fuel to the island.

The main opposition parties and business groups have questioned a possible deal with the government of President Hugo Chávez, announced on Friday by the Secretary of Finance of the Dominican Republic, Vicente Bengoa, at the end of the Summit of Petrocaribe, a Caribbean oil alliance with Venezuela, held in the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

These groups argue that a possible sale of a minority stake in the refinery would jeopardize the supply of oil to the island. They suggest that if the Dominican Republic authorities decide to sell a stake, it should be made through an international tender approved by Congress.