[REVISION HISTORY]

Antigua and Barbuda fuel price and energy cost tensions

3 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-27 00:14 UTC → 2026-10-04 09:54 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In late August 2026, gas station operators in Antigua and Barbuda threatened a strike to demand higher profit margins. Prime Minister Gaston Browne criticized the timing of the potential industrial action, describing it as “bad” and “poor” given rising international fuel costs. He noted that the government had already eliminated its own margins to protect consumers from global price volatility. By early September, local gasoline and diesel prices had increased by EC$2 per gallon. Despite rising international petroleum prices and a significant increase in the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) monthly fuel bill—which rose from EC$11 million in January to EC$21.8 million in July—the APUA maintained its electricity fuel variation rate at EC$0.80 per kilowatt-hour for the fourth consecutive month. Following temporary closures of several gas stations in protest of rising operating costs—including electricity, minimum wages, and credit card fees—Prime Minister Browne announced the formation of a committee to review the national petroleum pricing system. While the government rejected immediate margin increases for dealers, Browne acknowledged that the demands were “not necessarily unreasonable.” By late September, the government began considering diesel stockpiling to mitigate potential supply disruptions, specifically citing concerns regarding possible diesel export restrictions from the United States. Prime Minister Browne noted that while purchasing large quantities at current high prices carries financial risk, “We’re better off having diesel at a high price than having none.” The government continues to use subsidies to shield consumers from rising diesel costs, while Browne has urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption to alleviate pressure on households and the state. By October 2026, inflationary pressures intensified, with consumer prices rising 7% over the preceding 12 months.

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