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.

Gasoline will cost motorists $17.99 per gallon from Wednesday, October 1, after a second price increase in just over a month.

The latest adjustment adds $1.49 to the price at the pump and means motorists are now paying $3.49 more per gallon than before the two recent increases.

Gasoline had climbed by $2 to $16.50 per gallon only a month ago.

West Indies Oil Company CEO Gregory Georges confirmed the new price, while diesel will remain at $18.83 per gallon.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne had warned Tuesday night that another increase was coming, saying rising international fuel costs had reached a point where the government could no longer continue cushioning consumers from the full impact.

Speaking during a Chinese Embassy reception, Browne linked the pressure on fuel prices to the conflict involving the United States and Iran.

“As a small developing country, the government cannot continue its programme of absorbing the increased costs in fuel to shield consumers and it is therefore forced to pass on the increased costs to consumers,” Browne said.

He argued that the increase was being driven by circumstances outside Antigua and Barbuda rather than domestic government policy.

The prime minister said the situation demonstrated how quickly international instability could affect small economies, particularly through energy prices.

He also welcomed cooperation between major powers, including China and the United States, saying international stability was important for countries such as Antigua and Barbuda.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Gasoline Rises by $1.49 to $17.99 Effective October 1.