Ralph Gonsalves challenged the government’s claims regarding “price caps” in two primary areas: domestic fuel prices at the pump and the Vinlec fuel surcharge. He characterized these official statements as misleading and “smoke and mirrors”.
Gonsalves asserted that Prime Minister Friday promised a three-month price cap following the fuel increase on May 29, 2026. However, Gonsalves pointed out that the government broke this promise just one month later:
- The Promise: Gasoline was moved to $16.92 on May 29, with the government stating it would remain at that level for three months.
- The Reality: Within one month, on June 29, the government increased the price to $18.31 per gallon.
- Diesel and Low-Sulfur Diesel: Similar broken caps occurred for diesel (which rose from a “capped” $16.26 to $17.53) and low-sulfur diesel (which rose from $16.40 to $17.40).
Gonsalves specifically addressed the Prime Minister’s various versions of a cap on the Vinlec fuel surcharge, which were purportedly set at 72 or 77 cents.
- The “Pass-Through” Reality: Gonsalves revealed that the CEO of Vinlec wrote to confirm there is no cap on the fuel surcharge. Instead, the full cost continues to be a “pass-through” to the consumer.
- Evidence of Rising Rates: To prove the absence of a cap, Gonsalves cited the actual monthly increases: the surcharge rose from 54.9 cents in March to 83.2 cents in July, far exceeding the levels the government claimed to have capped.
- Financial Strain on Vinlec: Gonsalves argued that instead of a real cap, the government has forced Vinlec to bear specific costs, such as the customs service charge, which “bleeds” the company of funds needed for critical maintenance.
Gonsalves summarized these contradictions by labeling the Prime Minister’s statements as a “lie” and a “gimmick” intended to hide the reality of the rising cost of living from the public.
