Bus operators can’t bear the price of diesel

Belize Bus Association (BBA) seeks Government relief amid rising fuel costs

BELMOPAN, Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

   The Belize Bus Association (BBA) is seeking assistance from the Government of Belize following a sharp increase in fuel prices that operators say is significantly impacting their operations. On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the price of diesel rose by approximately 20 percent, increasing by $2.50 per gallon. The adjustment followed earlier increases in both regular and premium gasoline prices, further adding to the financial strain on transportation providers. According to the BBA, the rising cost of diesel is placing considerable pressure on independent bus operators who provide public transportation services across the country.

   In a letter dated Monday, March 30, the association’s president, Philip Jones, formally appealed to the Minister of Transport for relief, citing a significant rise in operational expenses. The BBA outlined several possible measures for consideration, including exemptions from General Sales Tax on fuel, tires, and parts; the provision of subsidies to operators; or approval for an increase in bus fares.

   Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, March 31, BBA advisor Froylan Gilharry said the association is seeking conditions that would allow independent operators to remain viable while continuing to provide service. “Just like when COVID came in as an epidemic, and the bus operators were allowed to have subsistence to be able to continue the operations, this is what is necessary now … Other industries can absorb much more than the transport/commuter industry, because this is at a bare minimum. We are at a $2.00, $3.00 stop and collectively for years, the price has not risen. It needs to be adjusted to whereby it’s feasible for this country and the industry to prosper. At the present moment, this fuel price is, in reality, a crisis for independent bus operators,” Gilharry stated.

   While the BBA is seeking assistance from the Government in three areas, president of the association, Philip Jones says that he would like the raising of the bus fares to be the last resort, citing concern about the potential impact on commuters. “We don’t want to raise the price on the general public. That’s our last option, so we’re asking the government and the Minister of Transport to assist us with possibly the first two requests that we asked for, so we don’t have to raise the fares on the general public … We’re at a stage right now that, if we continue like this, we won’t be able to provide this service.” He noted that if such an adjustment becomes necessary, short-distance fares could increase by approximately $1.00, while longer routes could see increases of around $2.00.    The BBA says it is currently awaiting a response from the Ministry of Transport, and is hopeful that a resolution can be reached in the coming days. Jones added that without some form of relief, independent operators may face difficulty maintaining service, as rising fuel and maintenance costs continue to affect their ability to operate. “The urgency is extremely urgent because, if we don’t get some sort of relief, I don’t think the members can continue operate. If you don’t have the finance to provide and buy your fuel and maintain equipment, you’ll have to park,” he remarked. The BBA says that they are hopeful that the Government will respond before the Easter break.