In a missive to the public, the OPM announced that Saint Lucians should expect to benefit from cheaper gas cylinders for the next three weeks.

“Every time a 20lbs or 22lbs cooking gas cylinder is sold, the government will cover 52% of the retail price for consumers for the next three weeks, from February 12 to March 3, 2024. The government’s contribution toward the 20lbs LPG cylinder totals $18.88, reducing the retail price to $36. The government contribution toward the 22lbs LPG cylinder is $20.76, reducing the retail price to $39.60,” the missive said.

Despite criticism from the Opposition about high gas prices, the government has revealed that it has provided approximately $8.1 million in subsidies for cooking gas from April – December, 2023, paying on average $15.05 for every cylinder of gasoline purchased by the consumer.

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says he remains resolute in his decision to continue subsidising cooking gas.

PM Pierre says this move is to ensure single mothers and other vulnerable people can afford the household necessity.

“A single mother, with five children, will have to buy, a tank of 20-pound LBG for $70? Is that what we want? When gas was at $13.00, the subsidies on LPG were less than $10.00 - it was about $7 or $8. The subsidies now on LPG sometimes go as high as $30.00. You have to look at the holistic picture. We believe that single mothers and lower-income households [should not be] allowed to pay $70 for a tank of 20-pound cylinder cooking gas. We can’t,” Pierre asserted.

The next fuel adjustment will be in three weeks.