In accordance with agreements signed with the International Monetary Fund, the government subsidy on propane gas that benefits those using tanks of 100 lbs or less could be abolished this month. El Caribe newspaper points out that removing the subsidy means that a 100-lb tank of propane could cost as much as RD$1,065 pesos. The government has announced it will distribute welfare debit cards for RD$300 a month to 500,000-600,000 low income families to soften the blow of the propane price increase. El Caribe newspaper points out however, that the main impact of the increase will be felt in public transport where the use of propane prevails and by the middle class that uses the fuel for cooking.