STX Senate Candidate Raymond T. James Esq. CALLS FOR PUBLIC REVIEW OF RECENT GASOLINE-PRICE INCREASES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2026
JAMES CALLS FOR PUBLIC REVIEW OF RECENT GASOLINE-PRICE INCREASES
Requests initial public report within 15 days and findings within 60 days
ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands - Raymond T. James, Esq., Republican candidate for Senate in the District of St. Croix, called on the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs to undertake a focused, publicly reported 60-day review of recent gasoline-price increases.
“Residents need to see that their government is actively examining what they are paying at the pump,” Mr. James said. “Publishing station prices helps consumers compare, but the public also deserves to know why prices have risen and whether those increases reflect actual costs.”
Mr. James urged DLCA, working with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, to examine wholesale purchase prices, freight and storage charges, applicable taxes, and wholesale and retail margins. The review should also determine how promptly lower supplier costs reach motorists.
He called for an initial public progress report within 15 days of the review’s launch and findings and recommended action within 60 days, while protecting confidential business records. If a substantive review is already underway, DLCA should explain its scope, progress, and timetable.
“Similar prices across stations deserve examination,” Mr. James said. “A thorough review should establish the facts and give consumers clear answers.”
The review should also address whether any reductions in diesel and transportation costs are reflected in freight fuel surcharges affecting goods shipped to the territory.
Acknowledging limited government staffing and funding, Mr. James proposed exploring lawful, proportionate industry assessments to help cover reasonable review costs, including independent accounting expertise.
That funding question, he emphasized, should not delay the work.
“Consumers deserve more than a list of pump prices,” Mr. James said. “They deserve an explanation of the recent increases, a public timetable for answers, and action where the evidence warrants it. Government must make this review a priority and report its findings to the people.”
Raymond T. James, Esq.
Republican candidate for Senate, District of St. Croix
Ballot No. 20
About Raymond T. James
Raymond T. James is a former Assistant Attorney General from the USVI, former Chairman of the Government Employees Retirement System Board(GERS), former horse racing administrator and former Chairman of the Christiansted Credit Union. A Howard University School of Law graduate, he holds a certificate in negotiations from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. He is a farmer and small business owner and is married to Lystra Roland James, a longtime educator. He is the Republican candidate for Senate, St. Croix District.
Media Contact: Raymond T. James, Esq. 340-643-7822. rjames_esq@yahoo.com.
Campaign information and donations: raymondforsenate.com
Paid for the Committee to Elect Raymond T. James Esq for Senate
101 Strand St. Christiansted VI 00820
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