Electricity consumers in Antigua and Barbuda are facing a higher fuel charge in October, with the Antigua Public Utilities Authority increasing its Fuel Variation Rate from

$0.80 per kWh to $0.88 per kWh

.

The new rate represents a

10% increase

from September and takes effect in October 2026. APUA’s published historical data shows the rate had remained at $0.80 per kWh in July, August and September.

APUA says the Fuel Variation Rate reflects the international market cost of fuel used to generate electricity.

The increase comes as official inflation figures show electricity prices have already risen sharply over the past year.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the electricity price index was

42.9% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier

, making electricity the largest increase highlighted in the latest Consumer Price Index report.

The broader Energy Index increased

20.6%

over the same 12-month period, while overall inflation in Antigua and Barbuda stood at

5.5%

.

The October increase in the Fuel Variation Rate means the fuel-related portion of consumers’ electricity bills will now be calculated using the higher $0.88-per-kWh rate.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: APUA Raises Fuel Variation Rate For October.