Antigua service stations have petitioned the government for an increase in their operating margin. They say the current 8% rate is no longer sustainable. As a result, they are calling for urgent action.

Moreover, operators say they have raised this issue since the early 1990s. They argue that the margin has remained unchanged for decades. Therefore, they believe the system is now unfair and outdated.

In addition, 21 service stations signed a letter dated March 23, 2026. The letter was sent to the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. It calls for a long overdue adjustment to the margin.

Furthermore, the operators compared their margin to other sectors. They noted that food retailers receive about 15% on price-controlled items. As a result, they say service stations are at a major disadvantage.

They also said no business can survive under such pressure. Over time, they claim rising costs have made operations harder. Consequently, they say financial strain has built up for 30 years.

At the same time, they pointed to broader economic challenges. These include increases in the cost of living and operational expenses. Therefore, they say the business environment has become more difficult.

Moreover, they referenced recent discussions on the national minimum wage. They said those talks already highlighted their disadvantage. In their view, the sector remains further exposed.

In addition, the operators rejected the idea that gas stations are highly profitable. They said this is a common misconception. Instead, they insist many stations are struggling.

They also called for transparency from the government. Specifically, they want the fuel price build-up to be published. They believe this would show the real margin structure.

However, they said they have not received a response from the Prime Minister or government officials. As a result, frustration has grown among operators.

Still, they said they remain open to dialogue. They want a quick resolution through discussion. Otherwise, they warned they will consider other available options.