The short version
- NotiCel reported that Empire Gas announced it is considering raising the price of a 100-pound gas cylinder by up to $10, effective Nov. 1, due to increases in the hydrocarbon market, with current cost around $106
- El Vocero reported that DACO began a desk review on Monday to verify the authenticity of social media images announcing possible LPG price increases and to protect consumers
- Senate Vice President Carmelo Ríos Santiago told NotiCel he will request an urgent meeting with interim DACO Secretary Erwin Álvarez to evaluate alternatives to mitigate any increase for residential and commercial tanks
- NotiCel reported that Puerto Rico consumes about 85 million gallons of liquefied gas per year, with prices set by the international market since the island does not produce it
Company announcement and legislative response
Empire Gas announced it is considering an increase of up to $10.00 for the 100-pound liquefied petroleum gas cylinder commonly used in Puerto Rican households for cooking. According to NotiCel, the change would take effect on Nov. 1 and is justified by rises in the hydrocarbon market. The current price stands around $106.00.
Vice President of the Senate Carmelo Ríos Santiago stated he will seek a meeting with interim Department of Consumer Affairs Secretary Erwin Álvarez to assess real and direct alternatives that mitigate any increase in the price of filling LPG tanks, both residential and commercial. NotiCel reported that Ríos described the potential rise as very significant at a time when hydrocarbon-based fuel prices have risen exponentially. The senator represents the Bayamón District.
Also on PuertoRico.com: Cost of living in Puerto Rico
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Buscamos mitigar este aumento; por eso nos reuniremos a la mayor brevedad posible con el secretario interino del DACO, agencia que regula los márgenes de ganancia en la venta de hidrocarburos como el gas licuado y la gasolina. Vamos a evaluar alternativas reales y directas para ayudar a nuestra gente
Our translation: We seek to mitigate this increase; that is why we will meet as soon as possible with the interim secretary of DACO, the agency that regulates profit margins in the sale of hydrocarbons such as liquefied gas and gasoline. We are going to evaluate real and direct alternatives to help our people.
The source's own statement, as quoted by NotiCel. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
DACO monitoring and investigation
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO) has initiated a "desk operation" to verify the authenticity of announcements circulating on social media about possible increases in the price of liquefied gas and to protect consumer rights. El Vocero reported that the agency began the review on Monday after images related to supposed price changes started to spread. The DACO message does not confirm that any increase has been authorized or implemented.
NotiCel noted that DACO's Division of Economic Studies monitors components affecting fuel prices—including natural gas, crude, refining costs, transportation and duties—to prevent speculation or unjustified increases by wholesalers and retailers. Puerto Rico's liquefied gas prices follow the international market, with the direct reference market being the East Coast of the United States and the local metric based on Mont Belvieu. The island consumes around 85 million gallons of liquefied gas annually, distributed in cylinders of 100, 50, 40 and 20 pounds.
Where the sources differ
NotiCel and El Vocero both cover developments around potential liquefied gas price increases in Puerto Rico. NotiCel attributes a specific announcement to Empire Gas, including the $10 maximum increase on 100-pound cylinders, effective date of Nov. 1, current price near $106, justification tied to hydrocarbon market rises, and Carmelo Ríos Santiago's planned meeting with DACO's interim secretary plus consumption data. El Vocero focuses on DACO's response, reporting that the agency launched a desk investigation on Monday into social media images announcing possible increases without confirming any actual change or naming companies. The sources agree on the existence of circulating announcements and DACO's involvement but differ in emphasis: NotiCel on the company's statement and legislative action, El Vocero on the agency's verification process.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state whether Empire Gas has formally submitted the increase for DACO approval, the exact amount or timing of any other distributors' changes, or the outcome of DACO's ongoing desk review. They also do not indicate what specific alternatives Carmelo Ríos Santiago or the agency may propose to mitigate impacts on consumers, nor do they provide updated price data for smaller cylinder sizes or the current wholesale reference price from Mont Belvieu.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting Lupa a un posible aumento en el gas licuado
- Reporting DACO investiga anuncios sobre posibles aumentos en el precio del gas licuado
How we checked this
NotiCel reported the Empire Gas announcement, consumption figures and the senator's statements, while El Vocero reported DACO's initiation of the social media review. The possible $10 increase and Nov. 1 effective date rest solely on the NotiCel account of the company's announcement.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
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