LPG mafia strikes again as price jumps Rs 30/kg before ramdan
Lahore, Mar 09: Just days before the holy month of Ramadan, the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has skyrocketed in Pakistan, sparking outrage from consumers and industry leaders.
According to the LPG Association, prices have jumped a staggering Rs 53 per kg in just one week, with the cost per kilogram rising from Rs 257 to Rs 310. The Association's chairman, Irfan Khokhar, blames a "nexus" of LPG quota holders and importers for the unjustified price hike, alleging they've raised prices by Rs 30 per kg twice in a week without official notification from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
This price surge has significantly impacted consumers, with domestic cylinders now costing Rs 3700 compared to the previous price of Rs 3030. Khokhar asserts that OGRA, LPG distributors, and even shopkeepers are powerless against this so-called "gas mafia."
Further fueling concerns, Khokhar highlights the recent arrival of two large LPG shipments in Pakistan, along with ample supplies readily available near the border with Iran. Despite this abundance, an artificial shortage has been created nationwide.
The LPG Association urges the Prime Minister to take immediate action against black marketing companies before the start of Ramadan, a time when demand for cooking fuel typically rises.
