Several petrol stations in Antigua and Barbuda closed their doors on Tuesday as dealers followed through with industrial action over what they say are reduced earnings from fuel sales.

The protest comes as government announced plans to increased announced plans to increase fuel prices from the current EC$14.50 for gasoline to an estimated EC$16.50, with diesel at moving to EC$16.25 per gallon.

The increase comes as the government said it could not continue subsidising the cost of fuel at current levels which skyrocketed due to conflict in the middle east.

Today’s closures left motorists scrambling to find open stations, with hundreds reportedly heading to outlets operated by West Indies Oil Company Ltd (WIOC) to refuel.

The action had been flagged on social media on Sunday, giving motorists advance warning that some dealers were planning to shut their businesses.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who is also Minister of Finance, criticised the timing of the protest and disputed claims that petrol stations were struggling to make a profit.

In a Facebook post, Browne said the government had reduced its share of revenue from petrol sales, but argued that dealers remained profitable.

“All gas stations are profitable. If you want to make more money; you increase prices at an opportune time, instead of burdening your customers with an increase, during a time of escalated oil prices. That’s not good business,” Browne stated.

The industrial action comes as fuel prices remain a sensitive issue for consumers, particularly amid elevated international oil prices.

Several WIOC stations remained open, including outlets at Friars Hill, Market Street, English Harbour, the airport and Barnes Service Station.

Browne said WIOC had been instructed to prioritise supplying the stations that remained open to ensure they could continue serving motorists.

The dispute centres on the amount dealers earn from fuel sales and comes amid wider concerns over the impact of fuel prices on consumers and businesses in Antigua and Barbuda.