New cooking gas prices take effect, final increase for 28 lbs cylinder

Cooking gas prices were raised again as of September 1, 2026, as part of the phased reduction of the propane gas subsidy. N.V. Energiebedrijven Suriname (EBS, Suriname’s energy utility) is thereby implementing a further step in the policy established in August 2023. The adjustment is based on ministerial order number 1099/23 of August 31, 2023.

For the widely used 28 lbs cylinder, the price rises from SRD 508 to SRD 535, according to the announcement. EBS indicates that this is the final planned increase for this cylinder under the current order. Households using this cylinder would therefore not, for the time being, face another quarterly adjustment for this size.

The 14 kg composite cylinder is also becoming more expensive. According to the announcement, the rate increases from SRD 530 to SRD 556.50. The process has not yet been completed for this cylinder, as EBS says one final adjustment under the existing arrangement will follow on December 1, 2026.

Cooking gas prices further increased only for two cylinders

According to the announcement, cooking gas prices for other sizes will no longer change. The 20 lbs cylinder has a stated final rate of SRD 369.24 and the 40 lbs cylinder SRD 699.98. A final rate of SRD 18.90 per litre is stated for bulk gas. According to EBS, these products have reached the end point of the current adjustment process.

The same applies to the 10 and 22 kg composite cylinders. The announcement states final rates of SRD 400 and SRD 880 respectively for these products. No further quarterly increases have been announced for these two sizes based on the current ministerial order.

Cooking gas subsidy being phased out since 2023

The price adjustments stem from the government’s decision to gradually phase out the historical subsidy on cooking gas. The ministries of Economische Zaken, Ondernemerschap en Technologische Innovatie and Natuurlijke Hulpbronnen established in August 2023 that rates would be adjusted every quarter towards the actual cost price.

This changed the way cooking gas prices are determined after years of relatively low, subsidised rates. The aim of the policy is to make gas supply less dependent on financial support and to enable EBS to better cover the costs of procurement, storage and distribution from sales revenues.

For households, every new gas price means directly higher costs for daily cooking.

Difference between announcement and current EBS rates

For consumers, it is important that a difference is visible between several amounts in the public announcement and the current EBS rates page. That page states that the displayed prices include 5 percent VAT. It lists SRD 387.50 for the 20 lbs cylinder, SRD 735 for the 40 lbs cylinder, SRD 420 for the 10 kg composite cylinder and SRD 924 for the 22 kg composite cylinder.

There is also a difference in the old rates for the two products that became more expensive as of September 1. The current EBS page lists the old price as SRD 504 for 28 lbs and SRD 525 for the 14 kg composite cylinder, while the government announcement states SRD 508 and SRD 530 respectively. The new prices of SRD 535 and SRD 556.50 do correspond.

Higher cooking gas prices affect household spending

The successive increases particularly affect households that still depend on gas cylinders for daily cooking. Every increase directly affects fixed household expenses. This makes the phasing out of subsidies a sensitive issue, especially at a time when other utilities and basic expenses are also weighing heavily on purchasing power.

Key News previously reported that cooking gas has now come close to a cost-covering level, while EBS as a company is not yet profitable. The financial pressure on the utility is not limited to gas, but also involves electricity production, maintenance and investments. The discussion on cost-covering rates is therefore linked to EBS’s broader position.

Final increase for 14 kg cylinder to follow in December

According to the government, the gradual model should prevent consumers from facing the full cost price all at once. At the same time, every quarterly adjustment means that families must readjust their expenses. The question therefore remains how the government will combine the transition to market-based cooking gas prices with protection for low- and middle-income households.

With the September increase, the process for the 28 lbs cylinder has been completed under the current order. For users of the 14 kg composite cylinder, December 1, 2026 will be the next important moment. That final announced adjustment will again make clear what the further phasing out of subsidies concretely means for the daily costs of Surinamese households.