NP says it unreservedly apologizes for “any negative attention or embarrassment” caused to the Ministry of Energy and by extension the government, over what it says was its premature announcement of a price increase in cooking gas.

The company admits that it acted outside of its remit, and noted that any authorization of price increases can only be ordered by the Energy Minister himself. 

“As clearly stated in s. 31 of the Petroleum Act Chap. 62:01, the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries after consultation with the Minister of Finance is authorised to determine the price at which petroleum products can be sold. As such, the retail selling price for a 20lb cylinder remains at the subsidized price of $21.00 ($18.67 + $2.33 VAT),” NP said in a statement. 

On Thursday, Energy Minister Stuart Young reaffirmed that there had been authorization given by him for any price increase in the price of liquid petroleum gas (LPG).

Minister Young said in communicating with NP’s Chairman, he was informed that there are some constraints surrounding the transportation and handling costs to get the gas cylinders to dealers.

The Energy Minister says this concern will be reviewed, and measures will be taken to ensure the cost to consumers remains unchanged.