Hundreds Caught In Miles-Long Gas Lines As Dealers Protest Increased Margins
Motorists are scrambling for fuel as leading service stations shut their pumps for the second time in weeks, while WIOC’s Friars Hill station reportedly remains the only WIOC location still dispensing gasoline.
By Cory Wayland
Hundreds of vehicles are backed up for miles across Antigua as residents scramble to fill their tanks after several of the country’s leading gas stations shut down their pumps in another protest over increased fuel margins.
The latest action comes as gas station operators continue to press for an increase in the margins they receive from the sale of fuel, an issue that has again triggered widespread disruption at the pumps.
It is the second time in a matter of weeks that dealers have taken protest action over the same issue, leaving motorists once again searching for stations where gasoline remains available.
The closures have pushed a massive number of motorists towards West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) stations, where long lines have developed and traffic has become increasingly difficult around some locations.
As of Wednesday evening, WIOC’s Friars Hill station reportedly remains the company’s only location still dispensing gasoline, as other WIOC locations are alleged to have run out amid the surge in demand.
The situation has become so difficult that some residents have been seen walking to gas stations carrying fuel containers rather than attempting to navigate the heavy traffic by vehicle.
The latest rush comes only weeks after motorists faced similar disruption when dealers previously protested over fuel margins.
With several pumps now closed and supplies under pressure at the remaining locations, motorists continue to queue in hopes of securing gasoline as uncertainty remains over when normal operations will resume.
This story was first published by Antigua News on October 7, 2026: antigua.news/2026/10/07/hundreds-caught-in-miles-long-gas-lines-as-dealers-protest-increased-margins. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
About the author
Cory Wayland is the Social Media Co-ordinator at Antigua.News, where he manages digital content strategy, audience engagement, and real-time news publications across social platforms. With a keen eye for trending topics and a commitment to factual storytelling, Cory plays a key role in shaping the online voice of Antigua.News.
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