LOO Demands Explanation for Fuel Price Increase

Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton is calling on the Briceño administration to provide what she describes as a clear and detailed explanation for the sudden spike in fuel prices at the pump.

On Friday, Prime Minister John Briceño said the increase was expected as international fuel prices continue to rise. ““I think it should be of no surprise to anyone that the fewer prices that have been increasing, we already noticed that the prices are increasing in the United States and considerably. There was this unexpected war in Iran and they have closed down the Strait of Hormuz where twenty percent oil supplies pass through. So we were expecting, I think Belizeans have been anticipating that the price of fuel is going to go up.”

Meanwhile, Panton said Belizeans “deserve transparency” from a government that once promised a gold standard of accountability. She argued that the justification for the increase cannot simply be tied to international headlines.

Panton noted that global crude oil prices were fluctuating between $95 and $100 per barrel and pointed out that Belize sources most of its refined petroleum products from Mexico and the United States, not directly from conflict zones currently dominating global news.

“This reality demands a more detailed explanation from the Briceño Administration regarding the specific factors that justify such a sharp increase at the pump in Belize,” she said.

Panton also questioned whether the government had explored regional energy partnerships, referencing a recent visit by the President of Guyana, CARICOM’s largest oil producer. She further noted that Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves and has historically maintained friendly ties with Belize.

Panton urged the government to outline policy measures to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices: “Should not the government at least examine the solution they proposed when they sat in opposition: reduce fuel intake tax by a minimum of $2 per gallon.”