Parliamentarian Endy Croes has raised serious concerns about an alleged scandal involving the bidding process for the supply of clean fuels to Aruba. According to Croes, Minister of Energy Dowers has so far failed to answer repeated parliamentary questions regarding the tender for gasoline, low-sulfur diesel, and jet fuel for Refineria di Aruba (RdA) and Fuel Management Supply Aruba (FMSA).
Croes stated that since late November, and during public parliamentary meetings held on December 15, 16, and 17, he has repeatedly questioned Minister Dowers about the bidding process that began on July 25, 2025. Despite the importance of the issue, the minister has not provided any substantive answers, either verbally in Parliament or in writing.
According to documents and information in Croes’ possession, the situation could result in significant financial losses for RdA, FMSA, and Aruba, and may ultimately lead to legal proceedings. Croes emphasized that his questions are intended to prevent serious damage to Aruba’s financial and institutional credibility.
Among the key concerns raised:
- Whether Minister Dowers is aware that Trafigura was officially selected as the winning bidder and was invited to Aruba on October 13, 2025.
- Whether the expert committee recommended terminating the existing contract with Citgo, which was formally canceled via letter on October 3, 2025.
- Why Novum, a company that reportedly did not participate in the original tender process, was later invited to submit a bid after the tender had already closed and a winner had been announced.
Croes further stated that Novum submitted an offer on October 17, 2025—after the tender deadline—and that this raises serious questions about transparency and fairness. He also disputed statements made by Minister Dowers in Parliament suggesting that Novum only supplies fuel oil, noting that public information and documentation show that Novum does, in fact, trade in clean fuels.
During parliamentary sessions, Minister Dowers declined to answer the questions, repeatedly referring to a set of 32 written questions and stating that he would respond in writing at a later date. According to Croes, this behavior misleads Parliament and undermines democratic accountability.
The MEP parliamentary faction has warned that initiating a parallel or irregular procurement process could have severe consequences for Aruba. These include damage to Aruba’s international reputation, loss of credibility in global energy markets, risks to national energy security, and ultimately higher fuel prices for the Aruban population.
Croes concluded by stating that Minister Dowers will be held politically responsible and that legal steps, including a request for an investigative inquiry by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM), are not being ruled out if answers are not provided promptly.
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