Haiti Finally Establishes a Consultative Council to Regulate the Oil Market

In response to rumors of price increases and global market tensions, the government of Alix Didier Fils-Aimé announces the creation of a Consultative Council for monitoring the oil market, tasked with ensuring transparency, stability, and fairness for consumers.

Port-au-Prince, March 27, 2026 – Following the Council of Ministers meeting, this reform, deemed crucial for the oil sector, will allow for better regulation of fuel pricing. The creation of this Consultative Council will be responsible for controlling and adjusting the prices of petroleum products based on international market fluctuations. This measure comes amid rumors of possible increases in the coming days, causing concern and questions among consumers.

The Council will be composed of nine members, ensuring balanced representation of sector stakeholders: three state representatives, three from the trade union sector, one from oil companies, and two from distributors. This inclusive composition will foster ongoing dialogue among all stakeholders and strengthen confidence in pricing mechanisms. The body will be able to adjust tariffs both upwards and downwards, according to variations observed in the international market, to ensure lasting balance and effective protection for Haitian consumers.

In the exercise of its functions, the Council will rigorously monitor the application of the regulatory framework, collect and analyze reports on the quality, availability, and conformity of petroleum products, formulate strategic recommendations to the government to improve market transparency and governance, and ensure constant monitoring of international market developments to anticipate any disruptions. It will also oversee the transparency of operations related to the import, distribution, and marketing of fuels.

This initiative is part of a more just and better-regulated governance approach, aiming to build an oil market that serves the general interest, capable of resisting external pressures and global fluctuations.

Against this backdrop, international tensions, particularly the war in the Middle East and the possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian pressure — a critical choke point through which a large portion of the world's oil transits — are already fueling concerns about global market price developments.

In Haiti, the establishment of this Consultative Council constitutes a proactive and balanced regulatory tool, capable not only of limiting increases but also of adapting tariffs downwards when the market allows, thereby guaranteeing consumers greater security in the face of international instability.

With this special commission, for the first time, the country now has a mechanism to better manage global fluctuations. It will not only monitor increases but will also be able to moderate prices when the market allows, thus ensuring a fair and predictable balance for all Haitian consumers.