Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has highlighted the government’s longstanding policy of exempting cooking gas from several taxes, describing the measure as one of a number of initiatives aimed at easing the cost of living for households and businesses across Dominica.
Speaking on the government’s efforts to reduce financial pressures on citizens, Skerrit said cooking gas has remained free from key taxes since 2009, allowing consumers to purchase cylinders at lower prices than they otherwise would.
“Since 2009, you’ve been paying no taxes on cooking gas, no customs service charge and no excise tax,” the Prime Minister said.
According to Skerrit, the policy effectively serves as a government subsidy that benefits every household and business using liquefied petroleum gas, regardless of size or sector.
“Every bottle of gas you buy, whether you are a hotel, whether you’re a factory, whether you’re a small business or whether you’re a household, the government is subsidizing the price and keeping the money in your pockets,” he stated.
The Prime Minister said the cooking gas tax exemptions form part of a wider package of social and economic measures intended to lessen the impact of rising living costs. He pointed to initiatives, including free school transportation, free school uniforms, tuition-free education at the Dominica State College, government scholarships, and employment opportunities through the National Employment Programme, as examples of continued public investment in citizens.
Skerrit acknowledged that external events continue to influence prices despite the government’s efforts. He noted that fluctuations in international energy markets, particularly during periods of geopolitical conflict, can still push up fuel costs even when domestic tax rates remain unchanged.
He cited the recent conflict involving Iran as an example of how global oil prices can rise independently of local fiscal policy, placing additional pressure on governments and consumers alike.
The Prime Minister said the administration remains committed to balancing national development with measures that protect household incomes. He argued that maintaining tax relief on essential items such as cooking gas is one way the government continues to support families while pursuing investments in infrastructure, education and social programmes.
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