In a statement issued on Monday, Senator Marvin Blyden has asked gas station owners not to use the current U.S.-Israel war on Iran as a justification to hike up fuel prices in the territory.
According to the senator, data on national energy prices have shown a consistent downward trend in gas prices – three years of consecutive decline following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Despite this, prices in the Virgin Islands have remained elevated. Findings from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs indicate that gas stations are charging markups reaching up to 62% on regular gasoline, and even higher percentages on premium gas and diesel. “These elevated markups persist despite a 19% drop in global crude oil prices as of May 2025, indicating that savings in wholesale markets are not being passed on to the public,” the announcement stated.
According to Senator Blyden, “nationwide data contradict claims that global instability necessitates local price hikes.” However, he acknowledged that there is little to be done in the way of enforcement, as the DLCA is not able to effect price controls for fuel unless the territory is under a declared state of emergency. However, the lawmaker urged the agency to step up its weekly monitoring of both rack and retail prices, and to use the enforcement mechanisms at its disposal – including audits and investigations – to protect consumers. DLCA has recently sought assistance from the courts in the face of service stations ignoring subpoenas requesting information about pricing and cost records.
“DLCA’s ongoing fuel surveys and investigations are essential to protecting the public,” Blyden said. “We encourage the department to maintain consistent oversight and take decisive action wherever unfair pricing practices are identified.”
Residents must also play their part, said Senator Blyden, by reporting suspected price gouging to DLCA through the available hotlines: (340) 727-SCAM (7226) on St. Croix, or (340) 771-SCAM(7226) on St. Thomas/St. John.
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