Antigua and Barbuda fuel dispute: Negotiations set for November deadline

Negotiations regarding increased profit margins for gas station operators in Antigua and Barbuda are scheduled to begin this week. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has set a deadline of November 30 to resolve the dispute, following a recent shutdown by service station operators seeking higher margins.

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has called for transparency, demanding that the government and the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) publish a detailed breakdown of fuel pricing after gasoline rose to EC$17.99 per gallon. Pringle noted that the government's consumption tax is significantly higher than the margins earned by service station dealers.

In response to the financial pressure on dealers, Prime Minister Browne suggested that banks explore allowing motorists to pay all or part of credit card processing fees. He also warned operators against disrupting fuel supplies during the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), stating the government would take punitive action or utilize alternative fuel outlets, such as fisheries depots, to protect public interest if necessary.