A woman fills up her vehicle’s tank at a gas station in Manhattan, New York, on March 31, 2026. Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images

Gas station operators and fuel haulers in Antigua have ended their protest after reaching an agreement with Prime Minister Gaston Browne for a 90-day review of their earnings.

Seven operators and several fuel haulers met with Browne on Tuesday after stations across the island temporarily closed in protest over concerns about declining profit margins.

The discussions came as gasoline and diesel prices increased on September 1 following months of government subsidies that had kept pump prices below market rates.

Operators told the meeting that rising business costs were making it increasingly difficult to remain profitable. They cited bank and credit card fees on fuel purchases, as well as higher wages and other operating expenses.

They said the increase in the national minimum wage had also contributed to higher labour costs, as employees earning above the minimum subsequently sought salary increases.

The operators also raised concerns about a request for an earnings adjustment they said was submitted in March. Government officials said neither the prime minister nor the Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff recalled receiving the request.

Browne proposed a subcommittee including representatives of the operators, fuel haulers, Ministry of Finance and Office of the Prime Minister.

The committee will assess the financial pressures facing the sector and determine what would be a reasonable increase for operators and haulers.

Its recommendations are expected within 90 days.

The proposal was unanimously accepted, prompting the operators and haulers to call off the protest. The affected service stations subsequently reopened.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Gas Station Operators End Protest After Agreement on 90-Day Review.