WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s government is stepping in to shield public transportation users from higher fares after announcing fuel subsidies for both private minibuses and the state-owned bus company Autobus Bedrijf Curaçao (ABC).
The decision follows a major increase in fuel prices that takes effect on May 5.
According to Regulatory Authority of Curaçao (RAC), gasoline will increase by 34 cents per liter, bringing the new retail price to 2.49 guilders.
Diesel will rise by 35 cents, reaching 2.57 guilders per liter.
That represents an increase of nearly 16 percent for both fuel types.
RAC director Curt Belfor said the increases are directly tied to higher international oil prices and regional market instability.
To prevent transport operators from immediately passing those costs on to passengers, Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning and acting Finance Minister Charles Cooper announced a targeted subsidy program.
Under the plan, approximately 250 private minibuses will receive government support covering up to 240 liters of fuel per month — equivalent to around 60 liters per week.
The government will also provide financial support to ABC to help absorb the increased operational costs and keep public bus fares unchanged.
Public transportation is considered essential for thousands of residents, particularly students, workers and elderly citizens who depend on affordable daily transport.
The government says maintaining current bus fares is part of its broader social protection strategy during the fuel crisis.
Meanwhile, Curoil director Yamil Lasten said there are currently no signs of fuel shortages despite the global market turbulence.
He said suppliers have not indicated any immediate disruptions to fuel deliveries, which provides some reassurance for the island’s supply stability.
The fuel hikes are expected to affect multiple sectors beyond transportation, including food prices and logistics, increasing pressure on the overall cost of living.
For now, the government hopes the subsidy measures will prevent additional strain on commuters while global oil markets remain volatile.