Gonsalves urges gradual fuel price hikes and minibus subsidies
OPPOSITION LEADER Dr.Ralph Gonsalves has suggested that the government subsidize minibus drivers while gradually increasing retail pump prices in response to fuel inflation, rather than shocking the transport industry with sudden, drastic hikes.
Gonsalves described the surging prices of gasoline, diesel, cooking gas, and fertilizer as some of the most critical issues currently facing St.Vincent and the Grenadines.
Speaking on Star FM on July 8, 2026, Gonsalves highlighted that fuel costs in Saint Vincent had surged within a single month. He noted that diesel and gasoline prices increased by nearly 40 percent, while low-sulfur diesel rose by 35 percent.
“Those are huge numbers: a $5.09 increase for gasoline, $4.97 for diesel, and $4.44 for low-sulfur diesel,” Gonsalves said.
“Those are big numbers in just two increases, and you’re going to have another increase in July, and another increase in August.”
During the sitting of Parliament on July 2, 2026, Gonsalves questioned Prime Minister Dr.Godwin Friday regarding the amount of money the government owes the country’s two primary petroleum companies, Sol and Rubis.
Click here to subscribe to read the full article in the E-paper!
Comments
