Business
Sint Maarten's maximum diesel price rose 12.6% on September 30; gasoline edged up
Since 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, the maximum pump price for diesel in Sint Maarten has been XCG 3.272 per litre, up from XCG 2.905. Gasoline rose to XCG 3.102 per litre, a much smaller increase.
By SXM Daily ยท
Drivers and businesses that run on diesel have been paying noticeably more at the pump since last week. New maximum fuel prices took effect at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, following a public announcement by the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), as reported by The Daily Herald and SMN.
The new prices
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Diesel: XCG 3.272 per litre (about USD 1.83), up from XCG 2.905. That is an increase of XCG 0.367 per litre, or about 12.6%.
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Unleaded gasoline: XCG 3.102 per litre (about USD 1.73), up from XCG 3.076, an increase of XCG 0.026 per litre, or less than 1%.
That puts the maximum diesel price about 71% above, and gasoline about 41% above, the levels set in February (AB 2026, no. 4).
In practical terms, every 10 litres of diesel now costs about XCG 3.67 (roughly USD 2.05) more than before the change. For gasoline, the difference is about XCG 0.26 per 10 litres.
Why prices went up
According to the announcement, as reported, fuel supplier SOL needs to restock and is paying higher purchase prices following developments on the international market. The Department of Economy, Transportation and Telecommunication (ETT) checked the price changes against international Platts postings before the maximum prices were adjusted.
SMN, which published the price build-up from the notice, reported a posted fuel cost of XCG 2.397 per litre for diesel and XCG 1.935 for gasoline, with gasoline also carrying an excise tax of XCG 0.290 per litre. SXM Daily has not seen the government's build-up table itself.
Why it matters
The diesel increase is by far the bigger change. Buses, trucks, construction equipment, boats and generators commonly run on diesel, so operators who rely on it face higher running costs. Government has not announced any change to bus or taxi fares.
Background
The previous price adjustment was on Thursday, August 20, when prices went down. Government sets maximum fuel prices in Sint Maarten, and they are adjusted periodically.
SXM Daily will report the next adjustment when it is announced.
Sources
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https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/gas-price-increases-today-diesel-price-rises-sharply
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https://www.smn-news.com/index.php/st-maarten-st-martin-news/51859-diesel-price-jumps-36-7-cents-per-liter-as-government-adjusts-fuel-prices.html
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https://www.sintmaartengov.org/Documents/Official%20Publications/AB%202026,%20no.%204%20Regulation%20maximum%20prices%20petroleum%20products.pdf
Source: https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/gas-price-increases-today-diesel-price-rises-sharply