Service station operators across Antigua have collectively petitioned the government to implement what they describe as a long-overdue increase to their regulated profit margin, warning that the current rate is financially unsustainable.
In a letter dated March 23, 2026, signed by 21 service station operators and addressed directly to the Prime Minister, the group argues that the existing 8% margin has remained unchanged since the early 1990s and is far below the 15% margin afforded to food retailers on price-controlled items — nearly double what service stations currently receive.
"No business model can be sustained while being constricted in this manner," the operators stated, noting that they have endured significant increases in both the cost of living and operating costs over the past three decades while the margin has stayed fixed.
The issue gained further attention during consultations on the national minimum wage increase, during which it was acknowledged that the current margin structure placed service stations at an even greater disadvantage.
Operators are also pushing back against what they characterise as a widespread public misconception. "There appears to be a wide misconception that gas stations are thriving and making big money. This is simply untrue," the group said. "We are suffering and have been for over 30 years."
To support their case, the operators are calling on the government to publicly release the national fuel price build-up, which they say will demonstrate that service stations are not receiving a fair yield under the current structure.
As of the time of the statement's release, the group confirmed it had received no response from the Prime Minister or any government representative. While expressing willingness to engage in dialogue toward a resolution, the operators warned they would "consider all options available" should the government fail to respond.
