Supermarkets, Stop Price Gouging – PM Browne
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a firm statement demanding an immediate end to price gouging by supermarkets in Antigua and Barbuda.
During his appearance on the Browne and Browne Show, the Prime Minister emphasized his concerns regarding this increasingly prevalent issue.
“I saw a situation in which a small pack of grapes in a particular supermarket – not gonna call the name – was listed at about EC$27,” said Prime Minister Browne. “We have asked the Ministry of Trade and Price Control to look into that issue.”
“I’m begging these supermarkets, especially the large ones; stop gouging your customers like that. That is just totally inappropriate.”
The Prime Minister expressed dismay at seeing an increase (in this specific case mentioned) instead of a reduction after his government took an initiative to make fruits and vegetables cheaper to import.
He encouraged supermarkets to re-evaluate their pricing strategies and align with the government’s initiatives to support the community before it becomes necessary to take legal action.
“We don’t want to have to take anybody to court or to take any punitive action against them,” expressed the PM. “We’re asking them to please cooperate with government’s policy, and instead of price gouging the people, just follow the law.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/01/26/supermarkets-stop-price-gouging-pm-browne. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

About the author
Orville Charles grew up in Potters Village, Antigua. After graduating from the University of Baltimore with a degree in Digital Communication, he spent years in the Social Work field, serving vulnerable populations and doing community outreach. He is an avid student of History, with many years of freelance experience in Multimedia.
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