Retailers selling LPG Rs23 above the official rate

The reduction in the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has not been implemented in Hyderabad. LPG is currently being sold at Rs200 per kg throughout the city, placing a financial burden on domestic consumers and small transporters who are forced to purchase the expensive LPG.

OGRA has set the new price of LPG at Rs177 per kg for July against Rs197 per kg in June. Unfortunately, LPG is not available at the official price anywhere in Hyderabad. LPG sellers are unlawfully charging Rs23 per kg extra from consumers, selling it at Rs200 per kg without any repercussions. Regrettably, the district administration has not taken any measures to enforce the sale of LPG at the OGRA-approved rate.

Currently, LPG is widely used as fuel for rickshaws in Hyderabad. Additionally, the domestic use of LPG has increased due to load-shedding and shutdowns of natural gas during various working hours. Consequently, the demand for LPG has risen in Hyderabad, making it necessary for rickshaw drivers and domestic consumers to purchase LPG gas. Despite being aware of the official reduction in the price of LPG, these individuals are compelled to buy it at inflated prices.

Mehrab Gul Mohmand, President of the Hyderabad Rickshaw Drivers Union, and Comrade Iqbal, General Secretary, issued a statement expressing their concern.

They highlighted that LPG sellers are unlawfully charging Rs200 per kg instead of the OGRA-approved price of Rs177 per kg, thereby exploiting hardworking individuals. They further stated that if the sellers do not adhere to the OGRA-approved price, all rickshaw drivers in Hyderabad, along with the general public, will protest against them.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 20^th, 2023.