![FUEL OR TRANSPORT [30TH JULY 2026] - From pandemic-era lows in 2020 to historical highs of $16.75 per gallon, the dramatic surge in fuel prices has left minibus operators across the island struggling to keep their vehicles on the road. Geopolitical conflicts and ongoing global energy crises have driven crude oil past $100 a barrel, compounding the financial strain through crippling maintenance costs, inflated spare parts, and reduced daily productivity. Forced to complete fewer trips to conserve fuel while absorbing all extra overhead, local bus drivers are now operating on razor-thin margins, bearing the brunt of an escalating cost-of-living crisis.](https://www.replay.gp/wp-content/plugins/youtube-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
FUEL HIKES AND VEHICLE UPKEEP PUSH MINIBUS OPERATORS TO THE BRINK
FUEL OR TRANSPORT [30TH JULY 2026] – From pandemic-era lows in 2020 to historical highs of $16.75 per gallon, the dramatic surge in fuel prices has left minibus operators across the island struggling to keep their vehicles on the road. Geopolitical conflicts and ongoing global energy crises have driven crude oil past $100 a barrel, compounding the financial strain through crippling maintenance costs, inflated spare parts, and reduced daily productivity. Forced to complete fewer trips to conserve fuel while absorbing all extra overhead, local bus drivers are now operating on razor-thin margins, bearing the brunt of an escalating cost-of-living crisis.
