Gasoline prices in Antigua and Barbuda increased by $1.49 to $17.99 per gallon effective October 1, while diesel remains unchanged at $18.83 per gallon.
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has called on the government and West Indies Oil Company to publish an updated breakdown of Antigua and Barbuda’s $17.99-per-gallon gasoline price, saying consumers should know exactly what they are paying for.
Speaking on Observer Radio’s The Voice of the People on Thursday, Pringle said the information should include the international purchase price, taxes, transportation costs and margins collected by the companies and operators involved.
“Publish these figures so there’s no if or speculation as it relates to what is happening,” he said.
Pringle cited an earlier breakdown for gasoline priced at $16.50 per gallon. According to the figures he read, the international purchase price was $11.03, the government consumption tax was $3.13 and the service station dealers’ margin was $1.08. Other charges covered freight, insurance, procurement, an import levy, terminal costs, transportation and company margins.
He said an updated breakdown was needed following the $1.49 increase to $17.99. Asked whether he knew the current purchase price, Pringle said he did not.
“What is necessary now, and what we’re asking for, is for them to give us a new breakdown,” he said.
Pringle also urged the government to consider temporarily reducing the fuel consumption tax while holding discussions with service station operators, APUA, economists and the public about longer-term relief.
He argued that rising fuel costs would put further pressure on transportation, food prices and families already struggling with household expenses.
In his closing remarks, Pringle renewed his request for disclosure of both gasoline and diesel costs, calling for greater transparency and accountability from the government.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Pringle Demands Breakdown of Antigua and Barbuda’s $17.99 Gasoline Price.