Leader of the United Progressive Party Jamale Pringle has pledged to urgently convene talks with the West Indies Oil Company and public transport stakeholders to address rising fuel costs, positioning the issue as a central concern for voters ahead of the general election.

Speaking at a United Progressive Party rally, Pringle said the cost of living—particularly the price of gasoline and food—has reached a point requiring immediate intervention.

“Everybody is worried about the price of gas, food and the election,” he told supporters, describing the situation as “a matter of urgency” that would be treated as a priority under a UPP administration.

He said a UPP government would move quickly after taking office to engage directly with WIOC, the state-owned petroleum company, to examine fuel pricing and determine how relief could be delivered to consumers.

Pringle also outlined plans to meet with stakeholders in the bus and public transportation sector, where operators have long complained about the impact of high fuel prices on fares and daily operations. He suggested that those discussions would form part of a broader fuel relief package aimed at easing pressure on both drivers and commuters.

While he did not provide details on the structure or cost of such a package, Pringle signaled that the goal would be to ensure that ordinary citizens benefit more directly from the country’s energy framework.

The proposal comes as fuel prices remain a major political issue, with both households and businesses citing transportation and energy costs as key drivers of rising expenses.

Pringle framed the planned consultations as part of a wider effort to tackle cost-of-living challenges, indicating that any measures on fuel would be linked to broader economic relief policies under a UPP government.

The general election is scheduled for April 30.