A 90-day process to determine a possible increase in earnings for gas station operators and fuel haulers has been agreed following talks with Prime Minister Gaston Browne, bringing Tuesday’s protest action to an end.
The agreement was reached during a meeting Tuesday morning involving Browne, representatives of seven gas station operators and several haulers who transport fuel to service stations across Antigua.
Operators had closed their stations earlier in the day in protest over what they said was a request for an increase that had not been adequately addressed by the Government.
The industrial action coincided with an increase in gasoline and diesel prices on September 1, following months of government subsidies that kept prices below market levels.
During the approximately one-hour meeting, operators outlined several factors they said have increasingly squeezed their profit margins.
One of their concerns was the growing use of credit and debit cards to purchase fuel. Operators said fees deducted by banks and credit card companies from each transaction have reduced the amount they earn from fuel sales.
They argued that the issue requires government intervention if they are to maintain sustainable operations.
Rising labour costs were also raised. While operators welcomed the Government’s decision to increase the national minimum wage, they said employees already earning above the minimum subsequently sought higher salaries.
They maintained that the additional wage costs, coupled with other increases in operating expenses, have further reduced profitability.
The meeting also examined an earlier request for an adjustment reportedly made by operators in March 2026, shortly before the April 30 general election.
According to the Government, neither the Prime Minister nor the Secretariat headed by the Chief of Staff recalled receiving the request. Officials indicated, however, that an increase would not have been approved at that time.
Following the discussions, Browne proposed establishing a subcommittee comprising representatives of the gas station operators, fuel haulers, Ministry of Finance and Office of the Prime Minister.
The group will examine the concerns raised and work towards determining what would constitute a reasonable increase for operators and haulers. Its work is expected to be completed within 90 days.
The proposal received unanimous support from those at the meeting.
Operators and haulers subsequently agreed to end the protest action, and gas stations that had closed earlier Tuesday reopened for business.
Lol..black people cant keep up nothing
Wioc ran out of gas while others lost profits
Good. At least some common ground was reached and people can get back to business. Now the important part is making sure this 90-day process actually produces something.
I’m glad the stations reopened because yesterday morning was pure confusion. People were rushing all over Antigua trying to find somewhere to get gas.
The card fee issue actually makes sense. Almost everybody paying with debit or credit card these days, so if the banks taking a piece from every transaction and the station’s margin already small, obviously that adds up.
So everybody wants an increase, but my question is WHO eventually pays for it? Because somehow it always comes back around to the consumer.
I understand businesses need to make money, but please remember the ordinary consumer. Food gone up, electricity expensive, fuel gone up, rent high and wages not keeping pace. How much more can people realistically take?
This is why dialogue matters. They protested, got the Government’s attention, sat around the table and reached an agreement. Now both sides need to honour what was agreed.
This could be really nice for Antigua honestly. I hope it turns out well. We need positive things happening too.
Now carry some of that same energy further up into St John’s. Sidewalks, buildings, drainage, cleanliness. Tourists have feet, they does walk beyond the port too.
That was just a pappyshow BUT Antiguans love pappyshow
The people have to do what they have to do