Saint Lucia: Citizens save up to 35.7% on Cooking Gas through subsidies

In a significant development, the citizens and residents of Saint Lucia are saving up to 35.7% through subsidies on 20-lb and 22-lb LPG cylinders. According to the information, from April 15 to May 4, 2024, the administration is committing $1.02 million to subsidize these products.

A significant development has been announced while keeping in mind that LPG cooking gas is a necessity for most households in Saint Lucia. While external factors such as supply chain disruptions and instability in the international cruise oil market can cause increases in retail prices, the Government is assuring that it can ease the general public as much as possible.

The Government of Saint Lucia said that as the high fuel prices have a disproportionate effect on households with limited resources, it continues to provide subsidies to prevent high retail price increases in order to keep the cost of cooking gas as low as possible for the Saint Lucians.

According to the information, the cost of the subsidy for the 20 lb LPG cylinders is $19,99 while for the 22 lb LPG cylinder is $21.99.

It is to be noted that, without the subsidy, the cost of the 20 LPG cylinder in the country would have been $55.99, and the 22 lb LPG cooking gas would have cost $61.59.

The subsidies offered by the Government reduce the retail price of the 20 lb LPG to $36 and the 22-lb LPG cylinder to $39.60, meaning that every time a citizen purchases a 20-lb or 22-lb LPG cooking gas cylinder, the administration covers 35.7% of the purchase.

In spite of continuous increases in West Texas Intermediate prices, the Government of Saint Lucia continues to keep the prices of retail gasoline and diesel stable. The WTI prices were the highest in five months during the last review period, ending on April 15, 2024.

In order to keep the citizens burden free, the retail costs for gasoline and diesel will remain the same at $16.50 per gallon respectively while the Kerosene will cost at $11.69 per gallon.