The Ministry of Finance also laid out the maximum prices for gas at the pump due, it said, to allegations that "certain gas stations were charging higher prices on public holidays, weekends and late at night''.

"The margins for the retailing of petroleum products are set by agreement between the Ministry of Finance and representatives of the gasoline retailers,'' a Ministry spokesperson said.

As of yesterday, gas stations should be charging no more than: $1.10 cents a litre for gas, .86 cents a litre for diesel, and .66 cents a litre for kerosene, the spokesperson advised consumers.

The advisory prompted a sharp reply from the Bermuda Industrial Union, which operates the BIU gas station in the city.

BIU president Mr. Ottiwell Simmons said there were no "hidden charges at our station,'' which he said actually charges one percent less than standard prices and will continue to do so after taking into account yesterday's increases.

"So there will be no misunderstanding, the BIU gas station has lower prices and these prices remain constant, no matter whether it be holidays etc.'' Wholesale prices of petroleum products went up 1.1 cents a litre for gas, .9 cents a litre for diesel and .6 cents a litre for kerosene.