Dealers Cry Foul Over Cuts to Long-Standing Fuel Margins

Fuel prices aren’t the only issue stirring frustration tonight, dealers say they’re feeling the squeeze too. There’s growing concern over newly adjusted commercial margins, with reports that long-standing rates, unchanged for nearly two decades, have been cut significantly. Dealers argue they weren’t consulted, and now they’re questioning how the changes will impact their bottom line.

 

Reporter

“The fuel dealers were notified their margins were being reduced by government. They are saying the decision is unilateral and that a 2004 agreement with the government says that both sides agree to any change to the formula in writing.”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I am not aware of that 2004 agreement. But what has happened is that in 2004 the government has decided to set the margin based on cost. The higher the cost the more the margin has been increased. And all of us have to take a cut, because when their margin increase, who pays for that, the consumers. So if they can cut a little bit and set their margin on a flat rate, and then we are cutting the tax, all of us are doing the bit we can to hold down the increase on fuel as best as we possibly can.”

 

Reporter

“Some of the dealers want to strike, because they say the margin is too little. Will government enter into discussions with them?”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“As a government we are always ready to listen, we believe dialogue is the best way to go. And if they want to meet with the government, of course we are prepared to meet with them.”

 

Lee Mark Slams Government Over Cost of Living

 

At Tuesday’s UDP press conference, Mesopotamia Area Representative Lee Mark Chang criticized the Briceño administration over the cost of living. Chang says rising fuel and food prices are hitting working-class families hard. He argues that while the Briceño administration boasts a lower inflation rate, the national debt continues to rise.

 

Lee Mark Chang, Area Representative, Mesopotamia

“The most recent report showed the national inflation rate at one point nine percent as of March, 2026. And while the government may say inflation is low or under control, Belizeans know the real truth on the ground. Wih dalla nuh the stretch as far as before. So what is driving inflation? According to the SIB, the biggest drivers are fuel prices, food prices, electricity costs that just went up this year. Ladies and gentlemen, inflation is not just a statistic. It means higher grocery bill, higher transportation cost, higher utility bills, literally everything higher, putting more pressure on the working class. Each one of us, including the baby born today will owe over eleven thousand dollars, because of the national debt. Anybody ever do that calculation yet? You owe eleven thousand as you born.”

 

The United Democratic Party says it will continue to hold the Briceño administration to task and challenge its policies on rising costs.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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