The Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced a 25% increase in the price of propane gas, from RD$180 for the 100-lb. tank of gas to RD$225. The measure is part of what the government calls the gradual elimination of the subsidy on propane gas sales in the DR. Furthermore, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce confirmed increases in all fuel prices. New prices are: Premium Gasoline: RD$43.82 (RD$42.25) Regular Gasoline: RD$38.53 (RD$36.53) Diesel RD$23.14 (RD$21.14). The Minister of Industry and Commerce Angel Lockward attributed the weekend increases to the fire at an important fuel distribution center in Aruba. The DR does not buy fuel from the center, but Minister Lockward said that the destruction of the center caused a spiral of speculation that increased import prices.
