PHILIPSBURG:--- Gas prices on the International Market continue to rise, consequently, there is a need to have prices change once again. The Last price increase in St. Maarten was on April 11th, 2022.
The Ministry of TEATT had hoped that by now the fuel relief would have been approved and brought into effect prior to any global increases, given the plight of the people. Unfortunately, this was not possible within the intended time frame and the Ministry could not delay the price change any longer. As such, the price of gas has seen an increase of 47 cents, while the price of Diesel has decreased by 13 cents.
The Ministries of TEATT, Justice, and Finance are working diligently on implementing the promised relief, which should be forthcoming in the week ahead.
The Ministry also wants to remind the public that the price of fuel is influenced by a plethora of factors outside of our control and that as a non-oil producing country, like many others, we will feel the brunt of these external factors. Additionally, when we compare the increase in the USA where the average price has more than doubled, naturally, as an importing country of fuel, the price of fuel will also be affected on the island.
The Government is cognizant that this increase is a large increase and we are doing everything in our power to prevent such. However, as mentioned previously, given the current level of the World Market Price, we have no choice but to increase the same. We strongly advise persons to be aware of such, adjust their driving habits (I.e. limit speeding as this consumes more fuel, ensure the car is tuned up, drive efficiently (as opposed to back & forth), and/or unnecessary driving. This will assist the amount of times you may have to fill up your tanks.
In closing, these are challenging times, mainly and especially due to the War in Ukraine (or the Invasion of Russia into Ukraine) and these international developments are beyond our control. We hope and pray that things turn around quickly and that prices return to their normal levels.
