BELIZE CITY, Thurs. June 23, 2016–There was a sharp increase in the price of fuel at the pump during the third week of last month, but that was not enough for the cash-strapped United Democratic Party government of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, which, like a thief in the night, raised the price of fuel at the pump at midnight last night.

This morning the new prices, which affected premium gasoline, and kerosene, came into being, without any prior warning, and with no official reason being given for why the increase became necessary.

The price of premium gasoline shot up from $9.95 per gallon to $10.41, an increase of 46 cents, while the price of kerosene was increased by 30 cents per gallon. Regular gas is being sold at $9.69 per gallon.

Last month the price of premium gasoline was $9.26 per gallon, while the price of regular gasoline rose from $9.12 to $9.62.