"At a point in time when petroleum prices are very volatile on the world markets and intense monitoring is essential for the protection of consumers, government has given the commissioner his walking papers," said Sweeney. "The government waited until the very last week of Mr. Saunders’ contract to announce these changes and there will be no period of time to allow for a proper changeover of responsibilities. It is only the consumers who will suffer as a result of this."

The Petroleum Products Pricing Commission was created three years ago with the primary function of regulating fuel prices to provide stability and protection for consumers from sudden spikes in fuel prices. Mr. Sweeney is concerned that shifting the responsibility for the commission to the Public Utilities Board (PUB) will cause a degradation in services.

"Taking the full time commissioner from the office and placing his responsibilities under the direction of the PUB will result in decreased monitoring of prices and will not provide cost savings to government. The PUB has a history of ruling in favour of industry and not consumers when it comes to electricity rates and automobile insurance benchmarks.

"It is my belief that the Minister of Government Services rushed this decision and has not taken enough time to weigh her options. I call on her to extend Mr. Saunders’ contract or appoint a new commissioner who will be dedicated full time to the regulation of fuel prices. Consumers deserve the full protection offered by this office."