Last year, with the prices of the electric power and fuel skyrocketed, the Government took a series of measures with the intention of containing the prices of these basic supplies, such as the famous “gas cap”, freezing the price of butane or lowering the VAT on electricity from 10 to 5% to slightly lower our bills.
In the specific case of the price of the butane cylinder, it was made by setting a maximum price of 19.55 euros until June 30, 2023 for the orange regulated bottle of 12.5 kilos, price that in recent months has not been exceeded but quite the opposite.
A bottle that is finally starting to drop in price
And it is that, after a few months of uncertainty, at the end of January we witnessed a first reduction in the amount to be paid for the classic butane cylinder that was located in the 17.66 euros after the bimonthly review collected in the BOE of January 16, 2023.
Now the downward trend continues, as we have been able to find out in the Official State Gazette (BOE) of March 20, where the new prices for the traditional butane cylinder (12.5 kilos) are applied, which this time are in the €16.78. This translates into a difference of €0.89, which is almost 5% less.
What is the reason for the new discount? Well, there is not a single specific reason, but rather an accumulation of factors, such as the decrease in the consumption of this raw material. In addition, it must be taken into account that the price is reviewed bimonthly on the third Tuesday of the month, by resolution of the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines.
And there it is calculated based on the cost of the raw material (propane and butane) in international markets, as well as the cost of transport and the evolution of the euro-dollar exchange rate. Furthermore, it should be remembered that 21% VAT is included and the Special Tax on Hydrocarbons (IEH), which is €1.5/kilo.
However, if we are users of this precious fuel at home because, for example, we have a butane heater or a gas hob, it is worth taking a look at the recommendations we made in the past to save as much as possible.
Image | Josean Prado
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