LPG shortage deepens ahead of winter as prices surge to Rs700 per kilogramme across Pakistan

In Quetta and other parts of Balochistan, LPG was being sold for between Rs530 and Rs700 per kg, while prices in Karachi and Lahore

In Quetta and other parts of Balochistan, LPG was being sold for between Rs530 and Rs700 per kg, while prices in Karachi and Lahore ranged from Rs520 to Rs580 per kg.

In Peshawar, the commodity was selling for between Rs600 and Rs650 per kg.

Consumers in Lahore, meanwhile, said LPG was being sold at shops for Rs550 to Rs600 per kg despite the official price of Rs294, calling on the government to bring prices down.

Hormuz situation affecting oil, gas prices

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, speaking at a private university’s convocation in Lahore, said uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz had affected oil and gas prices.

He said Pakistan had successfully navigated the situation over the past six months and maintained that petroleum prices were determined through a transparent mechanism.

Malik said gas supplies were arriving from Qatar and assured that ample supplies would continue during December and January.

He also said the government was providing subsidised petrol to low-income people.

LPG marketers raise concerns over proposed policy

Meanwhile, Pakistan LPG Marketers Association Senior Vice President Ali Haider said a summary concerning the LPG pricing policy had been sent to the prime minister.

Haider said the proposed policy would make LPG 25% to 30% more expensive and maintained that it had been formulated without consultation with stakeholders.

He said higher LPG prices would hurt both businesses and consumers and called on the government to deregulate the sector.