Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned gas station operators against placing their financial interests above the public’s welfare as renewed station closures left motorists in Antigua and Barbuda facing lengthy queues for fuel.

In two Facebook statements, Browne defended the need to maintain price stability and argued that dealers seeking higher margins risk damaging their businesses by losing customers.

“During a period of global shocks, domestic stability, including price stability must be maintained at all costs, in the public interest. No person, or group of persons should seek to elevate their personal interest above the national interest,” he wrote.

Several privately operated stations suspended fuel sales in the second protest in recent weeks over the margins dealers receive on gasoline and diesel.

The closures pushed motorists toward West Indies Oil Company stations on Wednesday, producing long lines and traffic congestion. Some residents arrived on foot carrying fuel containers. Several WIOC locations reportedly ran out of fuel, leaving its Friars Hill station among the remaining options.

Browne also questioned whether higher margins would benefit operators if their actions reduced sales.

“Increased margins, with less customers, less volume of sales is selfdefeating. Preserving customer base and increasing sales are quintessential to business success. Never mistake the trees for the forest,” he wrote.

Operators, however, say their demand concerns the financial survival of their businesses as operating costs rise.

In an open letter to Browne on Wednesday, dealers said their effective margin had fallen to 6.38%, with payments of EC$1.08 per gallon of gasoline and 95 cents per gallon of diesel. They also accused the government of failing to establish a review committee promised following September discussions.

Browne previously acknowledged that their concerns were not unreasonable. Cabinet announced plans to examine dealer margins alongside banking fees, labour costs and other expenses.

The prime minister has also announced plans for additional WIOC fuel storage facilities and pumps to help prevent disruptions during widespread station closures.

The dispute follows two gasoline price increases since September, bringing the pump price to EC$17.99 per gallon.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Warns Gas Dealers Against Putting Profits Above Antigua and Barbuda’s Interests.