$17 Million in Subsidies to Ease Cost-of-Living Pressures in Antigua and Barbuda
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing cost-of-living challenges by allocating $17 million for subsidies on essential items and services in 2025. During his 2025 Budget presentation, Prime Minister Gaston Browne outlined the extensive measures taken to shield citizens from inflation and maintain price stability, particularly for vulnerable households.
“Our government, the people’s government, continues to provide crucial support to ensure that the burden of rising global prices is lessened for all citizens,” Browne stated. He emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda remains one of the few nations in the region where targeted subsidies help to stabilize the cost of fuel, cooking gas, and essential food items.
Between January 2022 and October 2024, the government spent nearly $12 million to subsidize Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for households. The subsidy ensures that the price of a 20-pound LPG cylinder remains at $32—significantly below the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) average of $38.44. Similarly, a 100-pound cylinder costs $155 in Antigua and Barbuda, well below the regional average of $193.99. “These subsidies are tangible proof of our commitment to ease the financial strain on our people,” Browne remarked.
Fuel subsidies have also been a major focus of government support. Through the Fuel Voucher Subsidy Programme, the administration provided over $2 million in assistance to bus and taxi operators in 2024. Nearly 704,000 gallons of fuel were subsidized for 197 bus operators and 733 taxi operators. Additionally, fisherfolk received $2 million in fuel subsidies over the past three years to help sustain their livelihoods.
The government has also taken steps to stabilize fuel prices at the pump. At $14.50 per gallon of gasoline and $14.25 per gallon of diesel, Antigua and Barbuda’s fuel prices remain below the ECCU averages of $15.37 and $14.95, respectively. Browne attributed this achievement to the government’s decision to absorb the impact of volatile international fuel prices, a move that has protected consumers and businesses alike.
To further ease cost-of-living pressures, the government amended the Price Control Order to limit increases on a range of essential goods. This policy has been instrumental in curbing inflation, which stood at 5.6% in September 2024—unchanged from the previous year and significantly lower than the 8.6% recorded in September 2022. “While inflation is a global challenge, our policies have mitigated its impact, ensuring that families can afford the necessities of life,” Browne said.
The Food Voucher Assistance Programme has been another key initiative. In 2024, the government spent $17.2 million on this program, which provides direct financial support to vulnerable households. Plans are in place to expand the program in 2025 to reach even more citizens in need.
Critics have questioned the government’s efforts to address the cost of living, but Browne dismissed these claims as unfounded. “Those who glibly state that the cost-of-living is high and the government is doing nothing about it are either ignorant of the facts or deliberately malicious,” he asserted. Browne emphasized that the government’s actions are based on data-driven policies designed to support the most vulnerable while fostering economic resilience.
Looking ahead, the government plans to reassess its subsidy programs to ensure that support is directed where it is most needed. “With the economy fully recovered and people returning to gainful employment, we will revisit these programs to deliver more targeted support,” Browne explained.
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