Service Stations across Antigua have collectively petitioned the government of Antigua to implement a long overdue increase on the applicable margin.
Since the early 1990s, Operators have pleaded for a fair margin to be set, as the margin in place which amounts to 8% is not only unfair, but untenable. In our letter to the Prime Minister of 23rd March, 2026, signed by 21 service stations, we highlighted that this margin is well below what even food retailers get on price-controlled items, which stands at 15%, almost double what service stations receive. No business model can be sustained while being constricted in this manner.
We have borne this enormous financial strain over the past thirty years, while simultaneously weathering significant increases in cost of living and cost of operation over this period of time.
During consultations in respect of the increase on the national minimum wage, it was readily recognized that service stations were being placed at an even greater disadvantage.
There appears to be a wide misconception that gas stations are thriving and making big money. This is simply untrue. We are suffering and have been for over 30 years. We cannot bear this strain any longer.
We invite the government of Antigua and Barbuda to publicly share the fuel price build-up, which will clearly show that gas stations are not getting a fair yield.
We have had no response to date from the Prime Minister or any representative of government. We remain willing to dialogue and work towards a speedy resolution of this matter. However, failing such, we will consider all options available to us.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
And here comes the greed..
There will be an increase in May 2026. Wait for it!!
I would be interested to see their financials over a period of let’s say 10 years. Just redact the name of the service station.
Is it that you are not making any money or you’re not making as much as you’d like?
Move to the head of the class @SMH268
U tink worl boss stupid…he nar answer till after the election. Ull get ur increase jus cool
Here we go. Antigua is about to be made even more unaffordable. Wake up before it’s too late!!! The election was called to secure the present governments power before the worldwide depression kicks in because of this war in Iran. Best believe what’s coming is going to cause a lot of pain and hardship for us all. We had a chance to head this off decades ago and achieve a degree of self sufficiency,. Instead we choose to go down the tourism route and let our leaders squander and steal whatever monies were made. Now we are on the precipice of societal changing events and we are not equipped to deal with the coming challenges and worst yet lacking the leadership we need at such perilous times. Fuel and electricity rates will only be a part of the problem. Dark days ahead
Dear Fellow Citizens,
As we approach the 2026 general election, it’s crucial we focus on the real issues that impact our daily lives. Under the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s leadership, we have been failed—our roads are crumbling, water is unreliable, and the cost of living is soaring. Corruption scandals—from stolen government cars to forged documents—have gone unchecked, and our ties with the U.S. have weakened.
We will not give them another chance. It is time to move forward. We must demand better: better healthcare, a stable cost of living, and reliable infrastructure. Let’s hold our leaders accountable and ensure Antigua and Barbuda’s future is built on transparency, trust, and real progress.
WIOC’s profitability is derived from its monopoly on importing and distributing petroleum products on the island. The government’s profit is a combination of corporate dividends from WIOC and tax revenue. WIOC is a profitable entity, with consolidated financial statements showing significant revenue from the sale of fuel.. Specific percentage profit margins on individual sales are typically not publicly disclosed due to the confidential nature of the company’s operating costs and the government’s tax. However both the West Indies Oil company and Government makes a windfall from the sale of gas. So when the government talks about cushioning costs due to worldwide increase in fuel costs, it is merely foregoing a “tid bit” of its huge profit margins.. That the service stations have been stuck with their 8% for 30 years plus is disgraceful and they have been more than tolerant. I can see why the pump attendants and other workers are so poorly paid.
I am alerting all Gas Station Owners once Labour wins the increase will be granted. The only reason Gaston is not responding is not to get the population riled up. Things done hard and if he grants the increase before election he goose cook, but after that he will not need the electorate anymore until the next snap election. The dude is a sell out
@Visionary
so if Antiguans lose the care of their brains and make UPP win, you are saying that UPP would not grant the increase???? All the mor reason to not vote for upp.
So why the 8% no longer viable? Asking for myself.
@FC, it was never viable, for any business, that’s why they have been asking for years. Now put on top of that increases over that time on everything.
Why is it that our Service Station owners always come time and time again demanding a larger percentage of the fuel they sell to fund their operation. But when the PM ask them to open their books they run away. They don’t want anyone to see if what they claim is true. Well sorry guys. No support for your claims no higher rate. You think people that have franchise like Kentucky or Subway can tell the franchiser that they want a higher rate. You need to work on the numbers. The government has increased the numbers of cars in this country by so much, which will also increase the amount of gas you are selling. I know the new minimum wage will hurt you guys even more. But you need to open your books. Come with Audited Statements from reputable Accountants.
If service station operators have genuinely been working under the same margin since the 1990s, then it is understandable why they are calling for a review. Costs have changed drastically since then, and business models need to reflect today’s reality.
It is fair that businesses want sustainability, but it is also fair that the public expects stable and affordable fuel prices. Both concerns must be addressed.
This may be inevitable and it’s 🚫 t gonna get better
Government should release the fuel price breakdown like they asking. Let the public see the truth.
But if they increase the margin, that means we paying more at the pump? Because we already struggling!
So wait… all these years gas stations only getting 8%? That sounding low low. Government need to look into that.
So wait… all these years gas stations only getting 8%? That sounding low low. Government need to look into that.
Cost of running business sky high… light, staff, security… how they surviving so long though?
@Less We Forget, so ALL the gas stations, including government stations are lying since 1990?
They are repeating a request from how long, not asking for a further increase. Be reasonable and sensible jack. I feel it for them, and for us. Price of everything gone up.
Comments are closed.