As the nation struggles to accept the nearly drastic rise in fuel prices, another price hike is on the horizon. A memo circulated states that due to the rise in fuel, the cost of fish is set to increase soon, in an effort to reduce the burden on fisherfolk.
The memo reads:“Dear Fellow industry stakeholders, as we continue to grapple with the changing global and local financial landscape which has led to a significant increase in operational cost, thus reducing our ability to remain sustainable.
Efforts were made to inform the government and other industry stakeholders of actions that will be taken by fishers to mitigate or reduce the burden.
After careful analysis, it was noted that fuel cost has increased 34% (not including the most current increase), fishpotwire approximately 70%, all other input costs including the cost of making traps, and the general cost of living has increased exponentially.
Therefore, the Ministry was informed of a 20% increase to fish. For example, pot fish which is presently sold for $10 will be sold for $12 and snapper currently sold for $12 will be sold for $14.
It is now up to fishers to implement this action to help in reducing their losses. Bless!”
This is the most recent development in the rising cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda, that comes as a direct result of worldwide inflation and the recent local increase of fuel from $12.50 to $15.70 per gallon.
