2026-02-19 / Debate: Judicature (Amendment) Bill and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading 2026-02-19
The Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development responded to concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition regarding gas shortages and queues, attributing the crisis primarily to LAUGFS Gas pausing its distribution for two to three weeks, which caused its customers to seek Litro cylinders and created excess demand. The Minister outlined that Litro, which holds approximately 80–82% market share, would increase daily distribution from its normal 1,000–1,200 metric tons to approximately 1,500 metric tons over the following three days to alleviate queues. He further noted that two supply ships are scheduled to arrive on Sunday and Tuesday, and that the Consumer Affairs Authority has directed LAUGFS to resume distribution and serve its customers. The Minister sought to reassure Parliament that supply was being stabilised through increased Litro output and imminent shipments.
Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Hon. Leader of the Opposition said there is a gas shortage and queues. We have worked in recent days to resolve the issue. There are two main companies: state-owned Litro and private LAUGFS. LAUGFS covers about 15–18% of the market, and Litro around 80–82%. Litro typically distributes 1,000–1,200 metric tons per day; LAUGFS around 250–300 MT.
The problem arose because LAUGFS paused distribution for the last two to three weeks, creating fear among consumers. LAUGFS customers then rushed to obtain Litro cylinders, creating an emergency demand and queues. To reduce lines, we plan to release about 1,500 MT per day today, tomorrow, and the day after—above the normal 1,200 MT. Litro has at least three days of stock and will clear orders accordingly. One ship arrives on Sunday and another on Tuesday; shipments are scheduled. The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) summoned LAUGFS; they informed in writing they would bring in gas. They must resume distribution urgently to serve their customers.