Prices at the Pumps Leave Motorists Reeling From Refuel Anxiety

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – At gas stations across New Providence, prices are hovering near or over the $7 mark, turning what was once a routine stop at the pumps into a pocket-pinching experience, with drivers counting every dollar and every gallon.

Our Evlynn Ferguson hit the streets and spoke to several drivers as they were fueling up to find out how they’ve been coping with the high cost of fuel.

The spike is more than numbers on a sign. It’s a reminder that global conflicts can have a serious impact on the local economy.

And for many Bahamian motorists, the question is no longer if they’ll adjust, but how they will adjust.

We caught up with drivers at several gas stations here in the capital today.

This driver said that with prices increasing, she’s had to cut back on spending in other areas.

Terry – Rubis Customer

“Like when going to the grocery store, when going to the grocery store or other things like that, like you have to think about it and be like I need gas, so certain things you can’t get.”)
[Outcue: 00:04:18:45:27 “you can’t get”]

Washington Collie says his days of leisurely drives are gone, reduced now to quick errands. He adds that a full tank feels more like a dream than a reality.

And he’s not alone.

Seven Williams voiced concerns of his own.

Williams said that too many Bahamians are forced into juggling two jobs to live a comfortable life.

Washington Collie – Shell Customer

“The amount of gas I use to put in my truck before, I can’t afford to do that. I put what I could afford to put in the truck now. But it’s really affecting, of course. Are you able to fill up your truck? Fill up? I don’t think I ever fill up much ever since gas gone to five dollars. I just put what I need.”

Seven Williams – Shell Customer

“When gas prices exceed the hourly wage, it’s an obvious issue. I don’t know how plenty people make it for real. You got people who literally got to work two jobs just to make ends meet.”

Motorist Geo Rolle told us he believes the real issue runs deeper.

Geo Rolle – Esso Customer

“I already understand how the war and stuff is going on, it’s going to rise automatically. What we have to remember is that we import gas just like we import a lot of stuff, so that’s why grocery prices are high and all that stuff. We have to find ways where we could basically keep the money here in our market. Let’s start building factories. We keep saying we have 700 islands and cays. Let’s start building some factories on them. Let’s start doing something with them and all of these inflation prices we could really cut down.”

And with the conflict involving the U.S., Iran and Israel seemingly coming to an end, many are hopeful its impact on global oil prices will soon be a thing of the past.