Long queues formed at petrol stations across Antigua on Sunday as motorists rushed to refuel ahead of a large island-wide political motorcade scheduled in the lead-up to the April 30 general election.
According to Antigua News Room, drivers began lining up at service stations along major roads from early morning, with some reporting waits of more than an hour. The surge in demand triggered congestion in several communities, particularly around busy commercial areas.
The event, known as the "megacade," is being organised by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP). The motorcade is expected to travel through multiple constituencies, drawing large numbers of supporters in cars, buses and trucks.
Some stations reported temporary shortages of certain fuel grades during the peak period, compounding delays for motorists. Staff at affected locations worked to manage the increased traffic, with control measures introduced at some sites to maintain order and safety.
Motorists offered varying reasons for the early rush. Some said they were fuelling up specifically to participate in the motorcade, while others said they were acting out of concern that supplies could run low later in the day as demand from the event continued to build.
