Second press release says fuel prices unchanged despite arrival of new shipment; residents remain suspicious

The Government says it is honouring its decision not to increase the
price of fuel when a new shipment arrives.

According to a press release updating consumers on fuel prices, the
West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) has reported a 1 percent decline in
the cost of gasoline and a 9 percent increase in the cost of diesel.

Again, the Government says it is basing its decision on the refined
“pass-through mechanism for fuel prices, which takes into account
revenue assurance, price stability, and maintenance of subsidies for
certain petroleum products.”

Therefore, the Government “has decided to maintain the retail
prices at the pump.” 

The release says that, effective Wednesday, February 28, the price
for gasoline will remain at $13.99 per gallon; diesel at $14.25 per
gallon; the 20-pound LPG cylinder at $32 per bottle; the 25-pound
LPG cylinder at $40 per bottle; and the 100 pound LPG cylinder at
$155.

The release states that “the average regional prices for gasoline and
diesel are currently $15.36 and $15.88, respectively, while the
regional average for the 20-pound and 100-pound cylinder of LPG is
$38.58 and $200.36, respectively.

The Government adds that, in order to support affordability, it will
continue to provide subsidies for cooking gas, ranging from $5.16
for the 20-pound cylinder to $17.64 for the 100-pound cylinder.
The margins for WIOC, inland transport, and gas station dealers
remain unchanged.

Many residents are suspicious of the Government and are
wondering why – with the arrival of a new shipment of fuel – a press
release is being issued.

“Something sneaky is afoot,” a senior citizen tells REAL News. “Two
press releases to say nothing has changed? No. I smell something
unpleasant is coming.”