PHILIPSBURG:--- Everyone who drives a car or manages a business in St. Maarten keeps a close eye on the pump. Fuel prices impact everything from our daily commute to the cost of goods on store shelves. The Government of St. Maarten, specifically the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), recently released a critical update regarding the maximum consumer prices for petroleum products.
Understanding these changes is vital for budgeting and planning. This post breaks down the latest announcement, explains why prices are shifting, and offers a transparent look at exactly what goes into the price you pay at the pump.
The Context: Why Prices Are Changing
In St. Maarten, the government regulates fuel prices to protect consumers. Authorities set a maximum price that wholesalers and retailers can charge. This ensures fairness in a market heavily reliant on imported energy.
The recent adjustments stem from a combination of local necessity and global economics. The main fuel supplier, SOL, required restocking. However, the price they pay to acquire fuel fluctuates based on international developments.
According to the official announcement, the global market has seen a divergence in trends. The cost of Unleaded Gasoline (ULG) has decreased internationally, while the cost of Diesel has risen. Because SOL purchased their latest stock at these new rates, the local maximum prices must adjust to reflect these real-world costs.
The Department of Economy, Transportation & Telecommunication (ETT) verifies these purchase prices against International Postings to ensure accuracy before approving any changes.
The New Numbers: Gasoline vs. Diesel
Effective December 17, 2025, at 6:00 am, the price adjustments present a mixed bag for consumers depending on what they drive.
Unleaded Gasoline (ULG)
Drivers of standard gasoline vehicles will see a slight relief at the pump.
- Current Price: 2.226
- New Price: 2.200
This represents a decrease, aligning with the drop in global acquisition costs for gasoline.
Gasoil (Diesel)
Conversely, industries and drivers relying on diesel engines will see a moderate increase.
- Current Price: 1.939
- New Price: 1.955
While the increase is not drastic, it reflects the tightening supply or increased demand for diesel in the broader international market.
Breaking Down the Cost: Where Does the Money Go?
One of the most valuable aspects of this public announcement is the "Price Buildup." The government has provided a transparent, itemized list of every component that constitutes the final price. This level of detail helps the public understand that the sticker price isn't arbitrary; it is a sum of logistics, taxes, and regulated margins.
Here is a look at the components that make up the new prices (rounded to three decimal places):
1. The Base Cost (Petrotrin Posted Price)
This is the starting point—the actual cost of the fuel itself before it even moves.
- ULG: 1.151
- Diesel: 1.236
Notice that the base cost for Diesel is actually higher than gasoline right now, which drives the final price increase.
2. Logistics and Import Fees
Getting fuel to the island isn't free. Several fees are added here:
- Freight: 0.107 (same for both fuel types)
- Import Duty: 0.290 applies to ULG. (Note: The announcement indicates a different structure or exemption for Diesel regarding this specific line item).
- Liquid Throughput Fee: 0.080. This is typically a fee associated with the storage and handling of liquid bulk at the terminal.
3. Wholesaler Economics
The wholesaler (SOL) has a regulated margin to cover their operations and profit.
- Wholesaler Margin: 0.230
- Turnover Tax (5%): A tax applied at the wholesale level. This adds 0.093 to ULG and 0.083 to Diesel.
At this stage, we reach the Maximum Wholesale Price:
- ULG: 1.951
- Diesel: 1.736
4. Retailer Economics
Finally, the fuel arrives at your local gas station. The station owners also have fixed margins and taxes.
- Retailer Margin: 0.145 for ULG and 0.126 for Diesel.
- Turnover Tax (5%): A second layer of tax applied at the retail transaction level. This adds 0.105 to ULG and 0.093 to Diesel.
When you add all these layers together, you arrive at the final Maximum Consumer Price:
- ULG: 2.200
- Diesel: 1.955
Transparency and Accountability
This announcement highlights the government's commitment to transparency. By publishing the full "Price Buildup," the Ministry allows citizens to verify the math for themselves. It demonstrates that price hikes (or drops) are not decisions made in a vacuum but are mathematical consequences of fixed margins, static taxes, and fluctuating international commodity prices.
The verification process by the Department of ETT serves as a check-and-balance system, ensuring that international volatility is passed on fairly—consumers benefit when costs drop (as with ULG) and only pay the difference when costs rise (as with Diesel).
Effective Date and Next Steps
These changes are not immediate but will take effect shortly.
These changes are not immediate but will take effect shortly. Residents and business owners should plan accordingly.
New Prices Effective Date:
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Time: 6:00 am
If you manage a fleet of vehicles or have a long commute, you might want to time your next fill-up based on whether you use gasoline or diesel. Gasoline users might want to wait until Wednesday morning to save a few cents per liter, while diesel users could fill up before Wednesday morning to lock in the current lower rate.
Contact Information
For further inquiries regarding these price adjustments or the regulation process, the public can contact the Ministry directly.
Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT)
Address: Bestuurskantoor, Soualiga Boulevard 1, Sint Maarten
Phone: (721) 542 5694
Fax: (721) 542 4884
Staying informed about these economic shifts helps everyone in St. Maarten