Foreign Affairs Minister EP Chet Greene on Friday outlined a series of measures and policies the government has implemented to help reduce the cost of living for residents, amidst rising global prices on food, energy, and shipping.
Speaking during the 2026 Budget Debate, Greene explained that Antigua and Barbuda, as an import-dependent nation, has been proactive in shielding households from the worst effects of global inflation.
He pointed to several key actions taken by the government, which he described as deliberate and ongoing interventions aimed at easing the burden on local consumers.
Zero-Rating Essential Food Items
One of the central measures announced was the zero-rating of essential food items. Greene confirmed that Antigua and Barbuda had successfully sought a suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) on key imports, allowing 48 food items to be sold without tax. These items include vegetables, fruits, grains, canned goods, and baby food, and the zero-rating policy is set to continue for at least six months into the new year.
Subsidies on LPG and Electricity
The government has also maintained subsidies on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electricity, shielding residents from sharp increases in energy prices, which have been driven by global supply shortages. Greene confirmed that these subsidies would remain in place throughout the coming year as part of the government’s broader cost-of-living relief package.
Ongoing Monitoring and Fiscal Interventions
Greene emphasized that the government continues to monitor local price trends and will adjust its fiscal policies as necessary to prevent excessive inflation from reaching consumers. He assured Parliament that additional subsidies and relief measures would be introduced if conditions worsen.
Targeted Fiscal Measures for Vulnerable Households
In addition to the energy and food relief, Greene noted that there are targeted fiscal measures aimed at ensuring that vulnerable households receive adequate support, including expanded social services and cash assistance programs to ease the strain on low-income families.
Strategic Trade and Tax Policies
Greene also pointed to the government’s strategic trade policies, including tax exemptions on key goods, which aim to ensure that basic living costs do not spiral out of control. These interventions are being paired with long-term planning to improve domestic production and reduce reliance on imported goods over time.
Commitment to Public Welfare
“The government’s priority is to ensure that ordinary citizens do not bear the full cost of global price increases,” Greene said. “These measures are designed to protect the most vulnerable while creating a foundation for long-term economic stability.”
Greene’s remarks underscore the government’s continued commitment to public welfare amid global economic uncertainty, with a focus on improving resilience and ensuring equitable access to basic goods and services for all residents.
