The Executive Council has approved maximum price limits on gasoline sales to protect consumers from rising fuel costs.
Under the new order, the price per imperial gallon is capped at EC$15.98 for Sol St Lucia (Anguilla), $16.39 for Delta Petroleum (Anguilla), and $14.46 (regular) and $15.40 (premium) for Anguilla Gases.
The price controls take effect immediately, though fuel suppliers have been given the opportunity to provide further information before the order is finalised.
Economic development minister Kyle Hodge and director of consumer affairs Giovanni Francisca briefed the Executive Council on the proposal on 12 June.
According to the minutes of the meeting, members directed continual review of the price orders as new information from the fuel suppliers and pertinent data on fuel import costs are obtained.
The council then requested that the Attorney General’s Chambers prepare the orders and notice of extension of regulations for the signature of the minister.
Finally, they directed that the chambers make amend the relevant legislation to streamline the process of imposing maximum price orders on the sale of gasoline.
The Executive Council authorised the issue of the action sheet before confirmation of the minutes.
According to the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank tracker, gas prices in Anguilla were an average of $16.62 in 2023 and $16.54 in 2024.
The peak over the past 20 years was in 2022 when prices hit an average of $18.73.
This is a very bad idea. Fastest way to create fuel shortages is to control prices.