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

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Minister of Finance, Ms. Marinka J. Gumbs, is pleased to announce that she has successfully secured a Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) loan amounting to Cg 30.3 million for Sint Maarten. The funds were officially received on December 5, 2025, and will be used to support priority projects that strengthen infrastructure, improve public services, and contribute to national development.

Although the approved 2025 budget included a Capital Expenditure ceiling of Cg 52 million, only Cg 30.3 million was secured at this stage. This amount was determined based on Sint Maarten’s annual repayment capacity, interest norms, and responsible long-term financial management considerations. The approach ensures that financing remains sustainable and affordable for the country.

The allocations under the CAPEX funding are as follows:

• Cg 10.4 million for the new prison project 
• Cg 18 million for the purchase of land in Belvedere for housing development 
• Cg 450,000 for the automated parking system at Clem Labega parking lot 
• Cg 525,000 for upgrades to the Automatic Weather Observatory System (AWOS)  
• Cg 450,000 for computer equipment for public schools 
• Cg 120,000 for a generator for Parliament Building

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The loan was secured at an interest rate of 3.532%, with semi-annual repayments scheduled to begin in June next year. The financing agreement follows productive discussions with both the CFT and BZK and aligns with the successful refinancing executed in October 2025.

“I am very happy and proud to have secured this CAPEX loan,” Minister Marinka Gumbs stated. “It marks a positive step in ensuring that important national investments can move forward.”

“These projects will contribute to improved facilities, safety, education support, and public infrastructure upgrades all aimed at advancing Sint Maarten’s long-term development goals,” the Minister added.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Orco Bank continues its commitment to community development through sports with the sponsorship of team uniforms for the 758 Sports Club. This initiative reflects the Bank’s ongoing support for local organizations that promote teamwork, discipline, and positive youth engagement.
By sponsoring the club’s uniforms, Orco Bank aims to empower athletes to represent their team with pride while reinforcing the importance of sports as a tool for personal growth and community connection.
Judy King Richardson, Country Manager of Orco Bank, shared her thoughts on the sponsorship:
“At Orco Bank, we believe that strong communities are built by investing in people and opportunities. Supporting 758 Sports Club is about more than uniforms. It’s about encouraging teamwork, confidence, and dedication among local athletes. We are proud to stand behind initiatives that inspire growth both on and off the field.”
758 Sports Club plays an active role in nurturing athletic talent and promoting healthy lifestyles within the community. Orco Bank’s sponsorship underscores its dedication to initiatives that create lasting social impact.
Orco Bank wishes 758 Sports Club a successful and rewarding season ahead and looks forward to continuing its support of community-driven programs that make a meaningful difference.
For more information about Orco Bank, please visit https://www.orcobank.com. Stay connected and follow us for daily updates on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OrcoBank and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/orco-bank.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication, Hon. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, extends sincere thanks to everyone who came out in the evening on Friday, December 12th, to support and enjoy the second annual Twilight in Town event.

The evening proved to be a fun-filled and family-friendly experience, bringing together residents, visitors, families, and friends to celebrate the holiday season in the heart of Philipsburg. Attendees enjoyed free goodies, gifts from Santa for the children, live entertainment, and a vibrant vendor village. The strong turnout and enthusiasm were evident, with several vendors selling out during the event.

The Minister expressed appreciation to all participating vendors, including Bichoville, Domino’s Pizza, Randy’s Ice Cream, Margo’s Punches, and Fruity Lemon. Special thanks were also extended to Sweet Pan Entertainment for providing the musical vibes throughout the evening and New Generation Drum Band for passing through.

Gratitude was further expressed to the event sponsors whose support made Twilight in Town possible, including the Social Economic Council (SER), Kadaster, Computech, Native Nations, and FT Development. The Minister also acknowledged key partners, including Funtopia and GEBE, for their collaboration and contributions to the successful execution of the event.

The presence of tourists alongside the local community was especially welcomed, highlighting the importance of creating experiences that are inclusive, culturally rich, and appealing to both residents and visitors alike.

As the island continues to light up for the holiday season via the various Roundabouts which is also a Government Initiative, the Minister of TEATT stated, " We extended warm Season’s Greetings to one and all. Let us not forget that to put God first, after all, it is his birthday and without Him, this season would not be possible. Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and peaceful holiday period."