What Are Belizeans Saying About Fuel Increase

The release from government states that acquisition costs are expected to decline significantly in the coming weeks, in line with declining world oil prices. Pump prices are, consequently, expected to stabilize – below nine dollars for premium, below eight dollars for regular and below six-fifty for diesel fuel. In a fuel aside, we note that while the increase officially went into effect at midnight Sunday, multiple reports have confirmed that there were gas stations who were charging the increased price from Boxing Day.  And while price gouging was taking place, some gas stations in the city ran out of gas early on Saturday due to the rush at the pumps. Earlier today we canvassed residents to get a sense of how the increase in fuel prices affects business and services. There was mixed reaction coming from the various sectors; but all be told, consumers are feeling the pinch in their pockets due to the spike in the price of regular, premium and diesel. 

Lourdes Saldivar

Lourdes Saldivar, Proprietor, Tan’s Pizza

“The first thing I think about, there is higher expenses and as a business person, we always have to think how to get more returns. And so it only makes me think that we have to cut down on certain areas so that we can still continue with our business. It’s going to be harder and I think that’s the feeling that everybody has right now.”

Duane Moody

“Were you surprised when you found that these prices are up when compared to world prices, they are down?”

Lourdes Saldivar

“Actually no, you know, because I have seen the trend. Sometimes it goes down a little bit and then when you hear, all of a sudden it is up again. And that’s how it is with many things. You go to the shop and you find out that yesterday it was fifty cents cheaper, but as business people we don’t raise our prices everyday especially when it comes to food.”

Duane Moody

“Is this going to cause a change in the cost of services that you offer?”

Lourdes Saldivar

“We always like to keep our quality the same, but when it comes to the buck that we have to increase, then we must. But we try to hold on until we can’t hold on anymore.”

Manuel Oliva, Orange Walk Resident

“Well I know that worldwide, the price of gas is going down so I don’t know what’s the reason why gas has to go up. I don’t know who can answer that question.”

Duane Moody

“Do you think it is going to affect traveling, using your vehicle on a regular because it is going to be harder on your pocket?”

Manuel Oliva

Manuel Oliva

“Of course. I mean everything is going up and the pay doesn’t go up; it remains the same. So somebody has to have an answer. I don’t know if it is the government or the government has nothing to do with it.”

Duane Moody

“Overnight, the cost of fuel went up by almost a dollar across the board. As a taxi operator, does it affect in any way your business?”

Eduardo Oliva, Chairman, Orange Walk Taxi Association

“It wah affect lee bit; noh wah lot because we used to this. We done used to this—go up and go down. It’s nothing new, it’s nothing new. So I woulda get vex if they say no gasoline deh. But right now, we have gas. So when it goes down, I hope they glad and say the government di do something too because everything dah the government, government, government, government.”

Eduardo Oliva

Duane Moody

“Sir one of the complaints that we are hearing is the expense to travel around in your vehicle. Taxi; that’s what you guys do. Does that pose as any kind of concern for you guys that maybe you would have to increase your prices for taxi fares, etc?”

Eduardo Oliva

“It used to be twelve dollars a gallon and we still never raise; we still used to run for five-six-seven dollars, normal running we di do right now. When it gone down, we give thanks too. You understand. But otherwise, Belize has to import the gasoline; ih have to pay for the barge bring it—the importation, the tax, everything; ih have to pay. So when it goes down, we wah glad too.”

Duane Moody

“So when it’s low, you guys make a profit and when it is up, you feel the pinch?”

Eduardo Oliva

“Yeah. We hold on to it. We have to give and take man; give and take. Countrywide, we have to give and take.”