Gas prices will NOT be increased; assures Cabinet Spokesperson

COLOMBO (News 1st); The government will not increase gas prices, said Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on Tuesday (21).

Speaking at the weekly cabinet media briefing he said despite both suppliers requesting a price hike of around Rs. 400/- to Rs. 700/- and the Consumer Affairs Authority eventually agreeing to a possible Rs. 375/- price hike, the President and Cabinet of Minister had decided NOT to increase prices no matter the consequences.

"The Government will not allow the people to be burdened by this," he told reporters.

According to a document from the Department of Government Information it was decided at the Cabinet Meeting held on 7th July 2021 to appoint a Ministerial Sub-Committee headed by the Minister of Trade to obtain recommendations on the restructuring of the liquefied petroleum gas industry of Sri Lanka.

As per the Cabinet of Ministers approved to implement the following recommendations submitted by the Ministerial Sub-Committee based on the agreements reached during the discussions held precedence by the representatives of the companies engaged in the gas industry in the country, the relevant government institutions, and banks, and experts in the field.

• Litro Gas Company and Laugfs Gas Company continue to sell a 12.5 kg domestic gas cylinder at Rs. 1493/- as currently prescribed by the Consumer Affairs Authority.

• Purchasing, transporting, and storing gas associatively by both companies and using the Hambantota Gas Terminal for this purpose.

• Appointment of a committee consisting of experts in the relevant fields including representatives of Litro Gas Company and Laugfs Gas Company to carry out the procurement affairs, transportation, and storage affairs related to the purchase of the required LP Gas for the country.

• Implementing the recommended methodology by the subcommittee within the next 6 months and take appropriate steps based on its progress.