The Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network (BCEN) on Tuesday welcomed the government’s efforts to provide relief and stability amid the high cost of living, but said the true test of Monday’s Budget would be in final grocery and electricity bills.
Executive Chairman Maureen Holder told Barbados TODAY in an interview: “The Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network (BCEN) welcomes the government’s efforts to provide a measure of relief and stability. At the same time, the lived experience of consumers suggests that the true test of the budget will be whether that relief is felt in everyday transactions, at the supermarket, on utility bills, and in the cost of basic services.”
Consumers across Barbados report high prices on staple items such as chicken, cooking oil, and fresh produce, she said. “For many families, a routine trip to the supermarket can still exceed expectations, even when purchasing only essential goods. BCEN recognises that Barbados is a small, import-dependent economy and is therefore vulnerable to global price movements.”
But, she added: “Consumers remain concerned about price variations between retailers, limited visibility into mark-ups, and the perception that reductions in global prices are not always passed on quickly or fully. In this regard, there may be value in exploring greater transparency and monitoring mechanisms to help build consumer confidence and ensure that savings, where they occur, are shared.”
Turning to electricity prices, Holder noted that light bills remain among the most significant monthly expenses for households. She said bills reflect not only usage but also fuel adjustments and the reapplication of VAT, making them increasingly complex to interpret.
Consumers often express uncertainty about how these charges are calculated and why bills fluctuate from month to month, even when usage appears consistent: “BCEN believes that enhancing clarity and communication around billing, along with continued efforts to stabilise energy costs, would go a long way in improving public understanding and trust.”
Holder also cited complaints from consumers about billing for sewage and solid waste services. “Some households report being charged for these services despite not having access to a sewage system or, in certain cases, not receiving regular solid waste collection. While these issues may arise from administrative or infrastructural constraints, they highlight the importance of ensuring that charges are clearly aligned with services delivered. Addressing these concerns through improved billing accuracy and communication would help reinforce fairness in the system,” she said.
The absence of new taxes in the Budget also drew Holder’s attention: “Although the Budget may not introduce major new taxes, consumers continue to feel the impact of existing ones, particularly VAT on utilities and other essential services. Individually, these charges may appear manageable. Collectively, however, they contribute to a steady erosion of disposable income, especially for lower and middle-income households. A continued review of how taxation affects essential living costs could help ensure that relief measures are not offset by indirect financial pressures.”
BCEN views the budget as an important step towards supporting economic stability, but believes there is an opportunity to deepen its impact by focusing more directly on the everyday realities of consumers.
Holder said: “In that spirit, BCEN encourages ongoing dialogue between policymakers, regulators, and consumers; greater transparency in pricing and billing practices; and targeted attention to areas where consumers perceive gaps between charges and services. Ultimately, the success of the budget will be measured not only in fiscal terms, but in whether households experience a genuine and sustained easing of financial pressure. For many Barbadians, the key question remains a practical one: does the relief announced translate into a lighter bill at the end of the month?”
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