Prices rise for gasoline, butane

And while Belize’s crude oil is already being used in the agriculture and construction sectors, the rest of us continue to feel pain at the pump. At midnight last Friday, the price of premium gasoline hit the ten dollar mark yet again. Regular is not far behind at nine dollars and ninety cents a gallon while diesel is selling at seven dollars and thirty cents. Those rates are the average in Belize City; transportation costs mean even higher prices in the districts. Vehicle owners who have adapted their tanks to use butane have not gotten away as a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance indicates that the price of that fuel has also been increased. According to Belmopan, the four dollar hike per one hundred pound cylinder is due to higher acquisition costs. The new retail rate for customers in Belize City is one hundred and six dollars. Belmopan, one hundred and eight dollars; San Ignacio one hundred and eleven; Benque Viejo one hundred and twelve, Orange Walk one hundred and seven; Corozal, one hundred and six; Dangriga one hundred and eight and Punta Gorda one hundred and nine. The new rates take effect today.