Motorists in Antigua and Barbuda are facing another increase in fuel prices today, Wednesday, about one month after the last adjustment at the pumps.

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Gaston Browne announced the impending increase on Tuesday during a reception at the Chinese Embassy. The event marked the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Browne attributed the increase to rising global energy costs, which he linked to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.

The Prime Minister said conflicts in other parts of the world can still have a significant impact on Antigua and Barbuda, despite the country’s geographic distance from them.

He pointed to increases in the cost of living, particularly energy costs, as part of the impact being felt locally.

Browne said the government could no longer continue absorbing higher fuel costs to protect consumers from the full impact of rising prices. As a result, he said the government had little choice but to pass the higher costs on to consumers.

“This has nothing to do with bad policies by my government; it is directly attributable to the conflict in Iran,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of global stability to small developing countries such as Antigua and Barbuda.

According to Browne, international developments can place pressure on household expenses and public finances, even when those developments occur far from the region.

He also welcomed signs of cooperation between China and the United States, describing both countries as critically important to Antigua and Barbuda.

The Prime Minister made the comments while addressing guests at the Chinese Embassy reception.

However, Browne did not announce the new fuel prices during the event. He also did not specify the size of the increase motorists should expect at the pumps.

The new adjustment comes roughly one month after the previous fuel price change.

Motorists are therefore preparing for another increase in fuel costs as the government responds to higher global energy expenses.

The announcement means consumers will face higher fuel prices from Wednesday, although the exact pump prices were not provided in Browne’s announcement.

The Prime Minister maintained that the latest increase reflects external energy pressures rather than government policy decisions.