Oil dealers leaving Brockton heating assistance program. Say they can’t afford to participate

[Ian David]

Oil dealers leaving Brockton heating assistance program
Say they can’t afford to participate in heat assistance program

ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
Posted Oct 19, 2008 @ 12:14 AM
BROCKTON —

Last week, the three dealers said they won’t deliver oil to customers who are served by Self Help Inc. of Avon, according to the agency’s executive director, Jonathan Carlson.

One oil dealer who remains part of the program says he can relate.

“It is pretty hard, because they take a long time to pay,” said Larry Lundin, owner of three local oil deliverers, speaking of the government-funded assistance program.

Numerous oil companies in the region have said their suppliers are demanding much faster payment this season, due to tightening financial conditions.

Lundin said he must pay this suppliers within three days, but reimbursement for serving Self Help customers takes 30 to 45 days.

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At least 23 oil companies in the region have recently been denied a credit line to buy oil, or have had their credit line reduced, Chris Cooney, president of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, said previously.

More:
http://www.patriotledger.com/homepage/x132113011/Oil-dealers-leaving-Brockton-heating-assistance-program