The government has introduced a package of temporary measures to help combat the rising cost of fuel in Anguilla amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Premier Cora Richardson Hodge announced the plans, which include tax suspensions on gasoline and diesel imports and caps on electricity costs, in an address to the nation on 30 March.
“As a small import dependent island, we are not immune to these external shocks, and we understand the strain this is placing on households and businesses,” she said.
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“Your government has been actively monitoring the situation and has taken decisive action to cushion the impact on our people and on our economy.”
The premier said the Executive Council has approved the suspension of import duty and the customs service fee on fuel for an initial period of three months, while the goods tax and excise will remain at zero.
Meanwhile, the fuel surcharge will be capped for an initial two months at EC$0.42 per kilowatt hour for households and most other customers, and $0.65 per kWh for the accommodation sector.
“These measures are being implemented at the same time to ensure that relief is felt both at the fuel pump and on electricity bills across the island,” she said.
Richardson Hodge added that the government will absorb the costs of the measures – an estimated $6.4 million over April and May – through “existing budgetary resources”.
“We will continue to assess global developments and will determine what further action is necessary, based on fuel prices, economic conditions and the country’s fiscal position,” she said.
In closing her address, she said the government is putting strict monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure that the benefits of these measures are passed on to the public.
Watch the premier’s address in full below: