Citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are facing a sharp increase in the cost of living as fuel and energy prices skyrocket, despite government promises to protect consumers.
In a single month, the price of gasoline has jumped from $13.22 to $18.31 per gallon, representing a 39% increase. Diesel, essential for the nation’s minibus transport, saw a similar surge of nearly 40%, rising from $12.56 to $17.53.
These increases directly contradict a May 29th statement by the Prime Minister, who assured the public that fuel prices would be capped for three months.
Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves on Monday argued that the “cap is not capping,” as prices were raised twice within 30 days of the announcement.
The opposition is now calling for specific subsidies for minibus and taxi operators to prevent a total breakdown of the national transportation system.
Compounding the crisis, the fuel surcharge from the state-owned utility, Vinlec, remains uncapped.
Gonsalves said despite campaign promises to limit the surcharge, the CEO of Vinlec recently confirmed there is no cap in place, leading to further mistrust in the government’s economic management.