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Supermarkets, Stop Price Gouging – PM Browne

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Supermarkets, Stop Price Gouging - PM Browne
Supermarkets, Stop Price Gouging - PM Browne
Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Pointe FM (screenshot)

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.

Orville Charles

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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Comments (14)

  • Tromos January 30, 2026, 10:00 PM

    Food especially basic food is just too costly in Antigua

  • jani January 29, 2026, 1:20 PM

    Many of them are doing that and its because price and consumer affairs aint cracking down on them

  • jani January 29, 2026, 1:19 PM

    Many of them are doing that and its because price and consumer affairs aint cracking down on them.

  • Sweet Pea January 27, 2026, 1:59 PM

    Well until you make an example of them they wont stupid…like P Diddy.

  • Ron January 27, 2026, 11:17 AM

    Some of these supermarkets are wicked. Apart from the fact that cost of goods are so expensive they recieve exemptions and dont pass it on to consumers.

  • Kimberly January 27, 2026, 1:55 AM

    Since Government reduced duties, so someone needs to explain why prices are still rising.

  • Shanicee January 27, 2026, 1:54 AM

    I understand costs are high, but that price feels like taking advantage of people who don’t have a choice. I appreciate that it’s the top government official that’s making this comment on his radio station

  • Informed citizen January 26, 2026, 10:35 PM

    People can’t survive like this, food is not a luxury.

  • King January 26, 2026, 8:28 PM

    $27 for a small pack of grapes is robbery. Somebody finally saying it out loud

  • Kool January 26, 2026, 6:55 PM

    Pm I find you late

  • Apex Jones January 26, 2026, 4:28 PM

    Hence their grapes will stay on their shelf and rotten

  • A ya me born January 26, 2026, 3:07 PM

    He need fu check fu he supermarket dat he hab inna Ebenezer!

  • Donna January 26, 2026, 1:37 PM

    A lot of these supermarkets get government concessions, yet the prices are still so high. The majority of the population earns less than $2,000 (between $460 and $500 per week). Because of the grace of God, we survive in this country.

  • Racheal January 26, 2026, 1:06 PM

    A whole bunch of them doing that even those that can afford and are thriving

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