ST JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda — Antigua and Barbuda’s Financial Secretary has been instructed to expedite a meeting with service station dealers following protest action that saw several fuel stations close their businesses over demands for higher profit margins yesterday.

The issue was discussed during Cabinet’s October 7 meeting, with the government acknowledging that service station dealers deserve an increase in their margins but maintaining that the current international petroleum market is not the right environment for an adjustment.

Cabinet described the protest action as “unfortunate”, given the essential role service stations play in the country.

“The present period of instability and rising prices on the international petroleum market does not provide the most appropriate environment in which to implement the increase,” Cabinet said.

The government said it anticipates that international petroleum prices could ease towards the end of the year, creating a more appropriate opportunity to adjust dealers’ margins without placing an additional burden on consumers.

Cabinet stressed that its position does not amount to a rejection of the dealers’ request and reaffirmed its commitment to an adjustment in the dealers’ profit margins at an appropriate time before the end of 2026.

“The Government has already accepted the principle that the service station dealers deserve an increase in their margin. The issue is one of timing,” it said.

“At a time when international fuel prices are unstable and rising, the Government must carefully balance the legitimate interests of the dealers with its responsibility to protect consumers from additional increases at the pump.”

Prime Minister Gaston Browne separately addressed the issue in Facebook posts, where he urged service station owners not to place their profits ahead of customers and the wider national interest.

“During a period of global shocks, domestic stability, including price stability must be maintained at all costs, in the public interest,” Browne said.

“No person, or group of persons should seek to elevate their personal interest above the national interest.”

Browne also questioned whether increased margins would benefit dealers if they resulted in fewer customers and lower sales volumes.

He also appealed to local banks to reduce the credit card transaction fees charged to service station owners.

Government plans three new service stations

Cabinet also expressed concern about the level of concentration within the service station market and the potential consequences for consumers when a significant number of stations cease operations simultaneously.

In response, Cabinet advised the West Indies Oil Company Limited (WIOC) to pursue the establishment of three additional service stations at strategic locations across Antigua and Barbuda.

The proposed expansion is intended to increase access to fuel, strengthen the resilience of the national fuel distribution network and ensure consumers have adequate alternatives.

Cabinet said any expansion of the service station network should be guided by the need for adequate geographic coverage, competition and continuity of supply.

The government reiterated that reliable access to fuel is essential to the functioning of the economy and the daily lives of citizens and residents.