BELIZE CITY, Mon. June 13, 2022
Over the last few months, the government of Belize, in the face of public outcry and heavy criticism of the administration following the issuance of any release announcing a hike in the price of fuel, has not been issuing such releases to notify the public of changes in fuel prices, as had been typically done for a number of years. It was thus a social media post by the Albert Division area representative, Hon. Tracy Panton, that made the public aware that the cost of premium fuel is currently $16.03 at a gas station in Toledo.
On June 8, 2022, Hon. Panton posted a photo of the listed prices at the gas station with the caption “Fuel Prices in Punta Gorda, Toledo District.” In the photo, diesel prices are listed at $13.60 and regular fuel prices at $13.75. By all indications, this is the first time in Belize’s history that such a high fuel price has ever been recorded. With the war in Eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine continuing to drive up global prices of fuel, and now causing a shortage in fertilizers throughout the region, the cost of living for citizens in Belize is expected to continue to rise.
Record fuel prices are being recorded all over the world and unfortunately are projected to continue to increase. While the Briceño administration has taken some minor steps to absorb prices, the Prime Minister himself has conceded that passing on the cost to citizens will be inevitable.