Where’s the relief? Opposition Leader asks GOB

Belize’s Opposition is urging immediate government intervention as fuel prices climb sharply; however, no relief measures have been announced despite global oil shocks pushing costs higher and intensifying pressure on households and businesses.

Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton, in two statements issued this week, criticized the government for failing to respond as fuel prices rose during the Easter period, a peak travel season. Premium gasoline increased by 86 cents per gallon and regular by 80 cents, with prices in Belize City reaching $14.62 and $13.82 respectively.

The statements framed the increases within a broader global context, citing disruptions linked to tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, which have contributed to rising international oil prices. Data shows West Texas Intermediate crude climbed to US$98.57 per barrel on April 9, up from US$71.23 at the start of March, reflecting a near 40 percent increase over just more than one month.

Panton argued that rising fuel costs are transmitting across the domestic economy, increasing transportation expenses, food prices, and operating costs for small businesses and the productive sector. She indicated that the absence of tax adjustments, subsidies, or targeted support measures is placing disproportionate strain on lower-income and vulnerable groups.

The Opposition also referenced prior policy responses during the COVID-19 period, noting that fiscal interventions and social support programs were deployed to stabilize incomes and protect households. The current situation, according to the statements, requires a comparable level of targeted economic response.

The United Democratic Party’s parliamentary caucus is calling for measures including a review of fuel taxes and the implementation of relief mechanisms aimed at cushioning the impact on affected groups. The government has not publicly announced any such measures to date.