Dubai: The price of cooking gas cylinders went up on Thursday in four emirates — Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain.
The 22kg medium-sized cylinder, which is the highest in demand for domestic use, will go up by Dh20 to Dh115.
The price of 11kg cylinders has gone up from Dh60 to Dh75, while the price of the 44kg cylinders, used for commercial purposes, have gone up from Dh200 to Dh240.
In a note sent out by Emirates Gas to all its gas distributors in the four emirates, general manager Hesham Mustafa says: "In view of further increase in international liquid petroleum gas [LPG] prices, which has reached very high levels, we regret we have no choice but to revise the prices of LPG cylinders with effect from December 16".
The prices for 11kg, 22kg and 44kg have risen by 25, 20 and 21 per cent respectively. The hike in prices comes close on the heels of similar hikes in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah on December 8.
In Sharjah, the 11kg cylinder now costs Dh10 more and Dh17 more in Ras Al Khaimah.
Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi the prices remain unchanged, gas distributors said. The cost of cooking gas cylinders is already the lowest in the capital with the price being Dh20 for 11kg, Dh30-Dh35 for 22kg and Dh60 for 44kg.
"The steep increase is undoubtedly an additional burden to everyone. These are essential services people cannot do without," a homemaker in Dubai said.
The new prices might trigger another round of price increases at restaurants and eateries, said another resident.
Although the prices have increased, several gas distribution agencies contacted by Gulf News said that they were finding it difficult to make any profit from the business. Their profit had not changed with the hike.
"Angry customers are becoming a norm for us these days since we are their point of contact," the owner of a Sharjah-based gas distribution agency said.
