The coronavirus pandemic has blown a $150 million hole in the U.S. Virgin Islands’ budget projections for this year and the government has to cut expenses and hope to borrow enough to plug the hole, Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal told senators yesterday at a Committee of the Whole hearing. O’Neal and other department heads reported federal aid is still flowing in, both in disaster relief for the 2017 hurricanes and new federal pandemic relief. But O’Neal said those funds don’t translate directly into regular government revenue. Our empty ports, both sea and air, is a clear indication that our tourism reliant economy is taking a devastating hit. This is further compounded by the fact that we are approaching what is historically our low season due to the threats of hurricanes.” The bad news means the territory’s long-term financial crisis is not going away. The government will present its FY 2021 budget, which O’Neal said, “will have major cuts to each department and will require all stakeholders to be innovative in meeting the mandates of their constituents.”
On St. Croix, the lowest price for self-service regular fuel was at Five Corners Service Station and One Love Service Station-Golden Rock for $1.959/gallon. Big A Service Station has the lowest price for self-service premium at $2.329/gallon. The lowest price for diesel was $2.479/gallon at Super Tank Service Station.
On St. Thomas, the lowest prices for self-service regular were at Ali Baba, Petrus Polyberg and Race Track at $2.899/gallon. Ali Baba and Racetrack has the lowest price for premium self-service at $3.399/gallon. Giant Gas has the lowest price for diesel at $3.399/gallon.
On St. John, the lowest self-service at Racetrack at $3.05/gallon for regular and $3.25/gallon for premium. The lowest price for diesel was found at RaceTrack for $4.05/gallon.