Vincentians now paying more for cooking gas

Consumers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines now have to pay more for Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas.{{more}}

The announement was made on Wednesday, July 27, by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Consumer Affairs, Dr. Douglas Slater.

In an interview with the Agency for Public Information (API), Slater stated that after much negotiation with LPG distributors, RUBIS and SOL, a price increase was agreed.

He, however, added that due to international economic conditions and the continued increase in energy products, the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines had no choice but to allow for the increase, but at the same time, much effort was made to keep it at a reasonsable price which consumers can afford.

“Suppliers of the LPG in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have been lobbying government for some time to have a price increase, and the potential threat of LPG disruption to the country meant that it was necessary to engage in negotiations with the suppliers,” the release said.

Slater told the API that the last price for LPG was set in 2006. However, since this is a price controlled commodity, Cabinet is responsible for setting the prices. The price per pound for LPG was at the time US$0.768 and as of July 25, 2011, it is now US$1.13 per pound.

Consequently, the 100 lb LPG cylinder has moved from $163.00 to $197.05 as a maximum retail price. The 25 lb has moved from $44 to $52.42 and the 20 1b cylinder has moved from $35 to $41.82. These prices are, however, for SOL products.

There is also an increase of LPG accessed under the Petro Caribe Agreement. The 100 lb cylinder has moved from $155 to $180, and the 22 1b cylinder has moved from $30 to $36.

Slater said that there will be a monthly review of the prices to ensure that consumers get the best deal. He is also urging consumers to practice conservation of energy wherever and whenever possible.