Government is reviewing Sint Maarten’s fuel excise structure as global oil prices continue to push local pump prices higher.
TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten says fuel prices are not set arbitrarily by government, but are regulated through a maximum price mechanism tied to international market developments. She noted that a key part of the current review is the excise tax on fuel, though any adjustment must be weighed carefully because that revenue supports the national budget.
The Minister said similar excise changes were made in 2022, but those measures created budget pressures that are still being felt today. She added that any new adjustment will depend on the finalization of the 2026 budget and coordination with the Ministry of Finance.
At the same time, TEATT is monitoring the wider effect of rising fuel prices on shipping, transportation, and the cost of basic goods. So far, government says no major disproportionate increases have been recorded in essential items.
The Ministry is also preparing a public breakdown of how fuel pricing works, aimed at giving residents a clearer picture of what drives the final price at the pump.