The Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs rolled out a new consumer-focused initiative on Wednesday to address rising costs, according to a press release.
Commissioner Nathalie Hodge said the 2026 “Affordability First” Initiative introduces new pricing transparency tools designed to help residents compare costs and make informed purchasing decisions, the press release stated.
“Our goal is simple,” Hodge said. “We are putting the data directly into the hands of the consumer. When you know where the best prices are, you have the power to make informed decisions and drive competition across the market.”
The initiative includes a Comprehensive Pricing and Inflation Report supported by fuel survey data, supermarket analyses, and other economic indicators. It also introduces a “Wall of Transparency” framework that provides real-time pricing information to consumers, according to the release.
DLCA reported that fuel prices rose sharply in March after remaining steady earlier in the year. Diesel increased by more than 61% between early February and late March, while gasoline rose by over 45%, driven by higher wholesale import costs. Price differences between islands persist, with St. Croix reporting lower fuel prices than St. Thomas, the release stated.
Grocery prices continue to reflect the territory’s reliance on imported goods, DLCA said. Produce items such as peppers and lettuce saw notable increases between December 2025 and March 2026, while staples including bananas, canned tuna, and rice remained relatively stable, the release stated.
As part of the rollout, DLCA introduced a Market Basket Comparison Tool that identifies retailers offering competitive pricing on essential goods, the release stated.
The department encouraged residents to compare prices and use the new tools to make informed economic choices, it stated.
