APUA Faces Soaring Fuel Costs: Monthly Bill Surges to $21.8 Million

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda, August 26, 2026—The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has reported a staggering increase in its monthly fuel bill, rising from $11 million in January to $21.8 million in July due to soaring international fuel prices.

Acting CEO Roger Tongue addressed the media during a press conference, stating, “2026 has been particularly challenging for the authority. Our fuel costs initially stabilized in the first quarter, but the onset of the Iran war led to significant volatility in the commodities marketplace, drastically affecting our purchasing costs. While we initially held the fuel variation charge at 55 cents per kilowatt-hour, we’ve had to adjust it to mitigate the impact on the public.”

The fuel costs showed the following trajectory: a slight decline to $10 million in February, followed by increases to $12 million in March, $19.4 million in April, $17 million in May, and $19 million in June.

Despite these unprecedented expenses, APUA made efforts to subsidize costs. The calculated fuel variation rate should have risen to 66 cents in April and 88 cents in May. Instead, officials chose to increase it gradually to 70 cents in May and 80 cents in June. Tongue emphasized, “We’ve tried to ease the burden on the public amidst these increasing costs and will continue to monitor fuel prices closely.”

Minister Melford Nicholas, also present at the conference, expressed concern over the rising energy costs, stating, “We are aware of the stresses this places on our residents and businesses. We will work to ensure that APUA remains transparent about its operations and cost adjustments moving forward.”

Additionally, Electricity Business Manager Mr. Andre Matthias and the Acting Financial Controller Ms. Sabrina Benjamin voiced their support, affirming the importance of community engagement as APUA navigates these challenges. Their combined messages stressed a commitment to ensuring reliable energy access while managing the financial pressures caused by global market conditions.

As APUA continues to respond to fluctuating fuel prices, it remains hopeful for stabilization in the market and will provide updates regarding any further adjustments to the fuel variation charge.