DLCA Launches New Pricing Tools for Consumers

A.J. Pike

USVI - Following a directive by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. to prioritize cost-of-living relief, Commissioner Nathalie Hodge of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) announced the launch of the 2026 Comprehensive Pricing & Inflation Report, a data-driven initiative designed to empower consumers through transparency, promote competition, and provide immediate tools to navigate rising market costs. 

This new initiative is highlighted by Territorial fuel survey data, DLCA supermarket analyses, and broader economic insights. It introduces a new “Wall of Transparency” framework, placing real-time pricing information directly into the hands of Virgin Islands consumers.

“Our goal is simple,” said Commissioner Hodge. “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. This initiative is about transparency, accountability, and ensuring that Virgin Islands families can stretch their dollars further.”

KEY FINDINGS AS OF MARCH 2026

Fuel Market Trends

Fuel prices remained relatively stable from December 2025 through February 2026. Fuel prices at the pump increased sharply in March due to rising wholesale import costs brought on by the war in the Middle East. Between February 3 and March 23, 2026, diesel rose by over 61.1% ($1.62 per gallon), while gasoline increased by more than 45% to its current level of around $4.35 per gallon during the first week of April. 

Significant price differences persist across the three islands, with St. Croix consistently offering the lowest prices and St. Thomas the highest.  Diesel shows the widest variance in some cases up to $1.80 per gallon. In all instances it is best to shop strategically for fuel.

Grocery Market Trends

DLCA’s supermarket analysis shows that grocery prices continue to reflect the Territory’s reliance on imported goods, with fuel, freight, and supply chain variability driving price fluctuations. Between December 2025 and March 2026, several produce items experienced significant increases, including orange bell peppers (+55.6%), green peppers (+49.0%), green bell peppers (+38.9%), and lettuce (+28.5%), while simple items like bananas, corned beef, canned tuna, and yellow onions remained stable, and rice showed only a modest increase.

Market Transparency

As part of the initiative, DLCA is introducing a Market Basket Comparison Tool which will identify the retailers offering the most competitive pricing on 15 essential goods. Consumers are encouraged to shop wisely and compare prices to make the best economic choices. For questions contact the Consumer Affairs Division at 340-713-3522 on St. Croix. For consumer related issues, email DLCA at: consumerawareness@dlca.vi.gov.

Note: Fuel prices are checked by DLCA on a weekly basis. Market Basket prices are checked on a monthly basis. Those pricing comparisons, presenting a sampling of gas stations and grocery store prices, are generally posted on a regular basis on the DLCA website at: www.dlca.vi.gov. Or on their DLCA Facebook page.