Chastanet says It is unacceptable that the Government of Saint Lucia continues to extort the public with high fuel and cooking gas prices

By Chastanet Facebook Page

It is unacceptable that the Government of Saint Lucia continues to extort the public with high fuel and cooking gas prices, especially when fuel prices globally have generally been on the decline.

This unjust and unfair practice places a heavier burden on the already struggling economy and citizens. It is not only an act of greed but also a failure to prioritize the needs of the people over the interests of the government.

Last year, in March of 2022, the average price of a barrel of oil was US$100 resulting in the cost of fuel at the pump here in Saint Lucia being EC$14.95/gallon and a 20 pound cylinder of cooking gas being EC$35.46. So far for 2023, the average price of a barrel of oil has been US$75 yet consumers are being forced to pay EC$17.00/gallon at the pump and EC$43.27 for a 20 pound cylinder of cooking gas. A recent study from the Eastern Caribbean Central Union which Prime Minister Pierre currently serves as Chairman, confirmed that Saint Lucia ranks among the countries with the highest fuel prices in the OECS. Doesn’t the Prime Minister have a conscience? How can someone who consistently claims to care completely ignore the impact that this disastrous policy is having on the citizens whom he represents especially the most vulnerable in our society?

The government must be held accountable for their actions and take immediate steps to rectify this situation, including lowering gas prices and the complete removal of the excise tax on fuel for fishermen as they promised to do in their 2021 Manifesto.