Economy

DLCA Proposes Mandatory Daily Fuel Price Reporting as Lawmakers Debate Oversight

The disparity in fuel prices between the territory’s three main islands continues to frustrate motorists, particularly those driving in the St. Thomas/St. John district. The high price of gasoline and diesel formed part of a two-day discussion on the territory’s high cost of living, a conversation led by Senate President Milton Potter in the Committee of the Whole.  The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs was the lead agency addressing the fuel issue. “Although logistics of getting fuel feel like they should be similar, it is important to note that currently, most of the fuel sold in the St. Croix district is held in the terminal on island, while St. Thomas and St. John rely on smaller shipments that arrive much more frequently,” explained Natalie Hodge, DLCA commissioner. It is apparently one of the main reasons for the difference in prices between the two districts.  While DLCA is unable to influence pricing, Ms. Hodge told lawmakers that the department continues to work t...