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Thursday, April 23, 2026
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Up to 10% airfare hikes ‘kicking in’ this week BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
But aviation chief ‘unaware of any scare’ on fuel availability
PRIVATE Bahamian airlines have warned that airfare hikes of up to 10 percent will likely “kick in” this week to offset soaring fuel costs although the country’s major airport revealed no carriers have alerted it to any planned cutbacks in response to the Middle East conflict’s fall-out. Anthony Hamilton, president of the Bahamas Association of Air Transport Operators, told Tribune Business that his carrier, Southern Air, is raising its prices this week after Bahamasair “made some changes” to its ticket costs following a 41.6 percent surge in ‘contract’ jet fuel prices in just over two months since February 2026. However, he was “unaware of any scare with regard to fuel availability at this
42% jet fuel rise ‘reducing demand for private aviation’ alert
‘contract’ jet fuel prices at Odyssey Aviation, the fixed base operator at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), had risen by 41.6 percent in just DR ANTHONY over two months HAMILTON - from $5.70 per gallon as at Febthe sector must remain alert because “whatever happens ruary 12, 2026, prior to the overseas will eventually find start of the Middle East conits way to us”. He added that flict, to $8.07 per gallon now the sector, which is effec- - a $2.37 per gallon increase. The $8.07 price also repretively an essential service for The Bahamas given the role sents an 80-cent per gallon it plays in inter-island trans- rise since March 19, when it portation and tourism, will was at $7.27. ‘Spot’ or retail have “to deal with whatever jet fuel prices at Odyssey comes” for the good of the were said by the contact to country and its economy. be slightly higher at $8.93 Giving an insight into the per gallon, who added that impact, one aviation source the surge in fuel costs was told this newspaper on condition of anonymity that FLYING - See Page B9
NAD: No carriers warning of route or frequency cut-backs juncture” despite recent warnings from the likes of the International Energy Agency that other continents and countries, particularly Europe, have only six weeks’ supply of jet fuel left before shortages will hit due to their dependence on supply sources impacted by disruption to the Strait of Hormuz. While the Bahamian aviation industry has thus far only had to deal with cost increases, rather than fuel shortages, Mr Hamilton told this newspaper
THE Trades Union Congress (TUC) president yesterday asserted that Inagua’s economy and society will “probably evaporate” if Morton Salt follow through with terminating 75 percent of its workforce and, potentially, closing its plant completely as he accused it of handling the situation “poorly”.
Obie Ferguson KC, whose umbrella union includes the Morton Salt line staff union as an affiliate, told Tribune Business that the salt producer had broken its downsizing plan to the 60-strong workforce in a “psychologically stressful and emotional way” that would lead employees to fear for both themselves and their families’ futures. And, speaking ahead of a conference call with Bahamas Industrial, Manufacturing
THE Government yesterday denied that it has granted an increase in bus fares amid warnings that surging fuel prices have placed the industry at a “crossroads” and some drivers may have “taken it upon themselves” to announce a rise. The Ministry of Energy and Transport, in a statement, asserted that no increase in the Government-controlled jitney fares has been authorised as photos depicting updated levies circulated on social media.
INVESTORS are proposing more than $180m in agriculture, renewable energy and biotechnology projects aimed at boosting food security, energy independence and health innovation in The Bahamas. At the centre of the plan is a $50m agricultural development in North Andros being advanced by Preston Drummond, chief executive and chairman of Rock Island Financial, in
Suggests manager’s exit can pave way to reform deal Bahamas Grid investors seek ‘sunlight’ in Monday call Grid operator adds Super Value chief, lawyer to Board BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@ tribunemedia.net
RICHARD INGRAHAM
and Allied Workers Union (BIMAWU) members to discuss how to address the matter and whether to seek help from other TUC affiliate unions, he also accused the Chicago-headquartered company of “disrespecting” Bahamian labour laws by not
notifying Pia Glover-Rolle, minister of labour and the public service, or the Department of Labour about its plans. Meanwhile, Richard Ingraham, the BIMAWU union president, told this newspaper
SALT - See Page B7
ENERGY - See Page B6
These photos asserted that, effective from May 4, 2026, bus fares will increase due to the escalating price of diesel. In both photos seen by Tribune Business, fares were shown as jumping from $1.50 to $ for adults. And those for junior and senior students would rise from $1.25 to $1.50 if in uniform during school hours. However, during school breaks and weekends, students would be charged $2. Primary school students, it noted, would continue to pay 50 cents. The photos showed fares for senior citizens rising from $1 to $1.25. The Ministry of Energy and Transport, though,
DRIVE - See Page B4
$180m investment proposal eyes farming, biotechnology BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
FNM chair predicts an ‘abundance of lawsuits’ in Island Grid’s withdrawal
OBIE FERGUSON KC
Jitneys at ‘crossroads’ as Gov’t denies fare increase BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net
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THE Opposition’s chairman yesterday asserted he foresees “lawsuits in abundance” over the sudden exit of DR DUANE SANDS the New Providence electricity grid’s management partner while suggesting its departure could pave the way for an FNM administration to revise the deal. Dr Duane Sands told Tribune Business that Monday’s break-up between Bahamas Grid Company and Island Grid, whose principal is Eric Pike, with the latter withdrawing less than two years into a 25-year deal, “maybe provides an opportunity to do it right” when it comes to energy reform in The Bahamas. Telling Bahamians not to “hold your breath” over the search for answers on why Mr Pike and Island Grid have walked away from a contract, and Heads of Agreement, that would have paid them an annual $4.359m management fee for the first five years - a sum equal to almost $109m over the deal’s lifetime - he promised that a Pintard-led administration would seek to give Bahamian retail investors a chance to invest in the country’s energy reforms “and not just the wealthy”. Dr Sands spoke as it was revealed that CFAL, the Bahamian investment advisory firm that structured and raised the capital for the Bahamas Grid Company deal, is set to hold a 10am Monday conference call with brokers/analysts as well as the investors that
Inagua will ‘evaporate’ if Morton terminates, closes BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
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partnership with Modern Roots, a Nassau-based consultancy. Mr Drummond highlighted the project’s collaborative approach, saying it is intended to support both farmers and entrepreneurs. “Any local Androsian farmers will be able to utilise the facility, and we are open to working with any Bahamian entrepreneurs in the food product space. We are all in this together,” said Mr Drummond. The planned project will feature a “2,000-tower
DEVELOP - See Page B5