National Guard endorses Senate resolution that would order the creation of a strategic diesel reserve

The Puerto Rico National Guard today endorsed a resolution of the Senate which aims to create a strategic reserve of diesel to mitigate interruptions that occur with supply during emergency cases like the passage of an atmospheric phenomenon.

“Yesterday, the Senate received the first report of Resolution 659, which orders the Innovation, Telecommunications and Infrastructure and Government commissions to investigate the viability of creating a strategic diesel reserve with the purpose of having sufficient supplies during a case of emergency. In that report, the GNPR endorsed the creation of this reserve, which we understand is of great importance for our people.”said Senator Keren Riquelme, who wrote the legislative piece.

According to the press release, the resolution would also consider factors such as the location of the reserve, its capacity, the construction process and access to federal funds.

If created, the reserve would be administered by the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (NEPR) and the Department of Public Safety (DSP), while the National Guard would be in charge of its distribution.

“In this first report, it is highlighted that the reserve is something viable and necessary because one of the big problems that the Island faces every time it is hit by an atmospheric phenomenon is the high demand for diesel, since this fuel is used by most emergency electrical generators in hospitals, businesses and government centers, among others. During a regular period, this is a fuel that does not have as much output, in contrast to gasoline or gas; However, in an emergency it dramatically increases the use of diesel.”said Riquelme.

According to data provided by fuel retailers in Puerto Rico, the sale of diesel during a normal period is approximately 160,000 to 175,000 million gallons every year. This factor, together with the fact that the truck fleet that transports it is small, means that, in times of crisis, the possibility of supply shortages arises, the press release reports.

“I thank the presidents of these two commissions, as well as the fellow senator for Bayamon, Migdalia Padilla, who joined as co-author of this measure. “I have no doubt that with this reserve we address one of the biggest problems we face as a society in an emergency like a hurricane,” Riquelme added.