Chastanet Demands Action To Reduce Gas Prices

Leader of the Opposition Allen Chastanet has challenged the government decisions that he believes have negatively impacted the cost of living in Saint Lucia, while demanding a reduction in gas prices. At the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) weekly briefing, Chastanet read an excerpt from an open letter to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, detailing how he believes the government has erred in its economic judgment and decision-making. “The price of oil on the world market has now dropped to $70 a barrel, leaving no justification for maintaining inflated prices at the pump, especially given the impact on households and small businesses. By virtue of this, we demand that by November 1st 2024, you take the necessary action to reduce the cost of gas,” the letter reads. The Opposition Leader also added commentary on the effects of these prices on households and businesses. “It is affecting households, cost of electricity, and because businesses are having to pass on the increased price of gas over their operating costs, it’s increasing the profit margin that they’re required to succeed and to stay alive. And this is creating a horrible spiral effect, where what we’re seeing is that prices are going up,” he...