The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) is notifying the public of its Caribbean gas price comparison survey findings. The comparison was conducted for the month of February. The survey is designed to inform Virgin Islands residents on where the territory stands in regards to gasoline prices throughout the Caribbean. The gas data was collected for the month of February from the Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS) for 15 islands. February’s prices were the latest data made available by CEIS. Fuel types include: regular, premium and diesel. (All prices reflect cost per gallon.)
On St. Croix, the average price for the month of February for regular fuel was $3.24, premium’s average price was $3.13 and diesel’s average was $3.44. On St. Thomas, the average price for the month of February for regular fuel was $3.82, premium’s average price was $3.99 and diesel’s average was $4.05. On St. John, the average price for the month of February for regular fuel was $3.89, premium’s average price was $3.99 and diesel’s average was $4.13.
Regular Fuel Comparison
In comparison to the 15 Caribbean islands surveyed, St. Croix’s regular fuel price was lower than fourteen islands. The only island whose regular fuel price was lower than St. Croix was Trinidad and Tobago at $1.59. St. Thomas and St. John’s average regular fuel price for the month of February was lower than eleven islands. Islands whose average prices were lower included: Antigua and Barbuda at $3.79, Guyana at $3.75, St. Vincent and Grenadines at $3.71, and Trinidad and Tobago at $1.59.
Premium Fuel Comparison
The most common fuel typed used throughout the Caribbean is regular fuel. Most islands only retail this fuel type. Data for premium fuel was only available for four Caribbean islands. In comparison to the four Caribbean islands surveyed, St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John’s average premium fuel price was lower than three islands. The only island whose premium fuel price was lower than the Virgin Islands was Trinidad and Tobago at $2.42.
Diesel Fuel Comparison
In comparison to the 15 Caribbean islands surveyed, St. Croix’s diesel fuel price was lower than 13 islands. The islands that diesel fuel price was lower than St. Croix were Trinidad and Tobago at $.91 and St. Vincent and Grenadines at $3.18. St. Thomas’ diesel fuel price for the month of February was lower than seven islands. St. John’s diesel fuel price was lower than six islands and had the same price as Grenada at $4.13. Islands whose average diesel prices were lower than St. Thomas and St. John included: Antigua and Barbuda at $3.67, BVI at $3.75, Dominica at $3.79, Guyana at $3.56, Montserrat at $4.01, St. Kitts and Nevis at $3.90, St. Vincent and Grenadines at $3.18, and Trinidad and Tobago at .91.
The Weights and Measures (W&M) Unit of DLCA monitors fuel prices throughout the Caribbean in addition to conducting a weekly gas survey throughout the territory. Gas survey findings are shared with consumers on a weekly basis.