Dominican Republic Government to keep fuel subsidies and announces economic support in December
The Government of the Dominican Republic will systematically maintain fuel subsidies to protect household finances amid instability in the international hydrocarbons market, ministers José Ignacio Paliza and Eduardo Sanz Lovatón reiterated on Tuesday. Both officials agreed that the economic cabinet and President Luis Abinader continue working steadily to cushion the impact of the energy crisis and contain inflation in basic basket goods.
The announcement adds to what Abinader himself explained in LA Agenda Semanal: the State allocates between 35 and 36 billion pesos to permanent direct-support programs (food, electricity, and gas), while the temporary subsidies for electricity and fuel could reach 140 billion pesos by the end of 2026, with 100 billion in the power sector and 40 billion in fuels.
Sanz Lovatón detailed a differentiated scheme by fuel type: diesel for federated transport receives the largest support, at RD$200 per gallon, while regular and premium diesel carry a subsidy of RD$120 per gallon each. Thanks to that contribution, regular diesel holds at RD$270.80 per gallon instead of the RD$390 it would cost without intervention, and premium diesel at RD$318 instead of RD$438. Premium gasoline carries a RD$26 subsidy and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), widely used in homes, keeps a RD$52-per-gallon compensation.
The minister explained that amounts vary week to week based on the quotation of refined fuels in international markets, since the Dominican Republic imports much of the hydrocarbons it consumes already processed. Current pressure stems from the Middle East conflict and the refinery crisis in countries such as Russia and Ukraine.
The authorities also announced that, heading into Christmas, a broad logistical and economic effort will be deployed, with special aid and assistance in December to directly support the country's most vulnerable families.
Photo: Presidencia de la República
Source: Dominicana al Día