Authorities on alert as LPG prices soar

Consumers frustrated as profiteering continues; urgent meeting called

ISLAMABAD:

As liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) hoarders and profiteers increase prices by Rs20 per kg just before Ramazan, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and LPG Distributors Association are convening today (Wednesday) to develop a joint strategy against this illegal hike.

Chairman OGRA and officials will meet with Chairman of the LPG Distributors Association, Irfan Khokhar, to discuss an action plan against LPG profiteering ahead of Ramazan.

Consumers are bewildered by the surge in prices, while authorities have yet to act against the LPG mafia, which is exploiting consumers for undue profit.

The chairman of the LPG Distributors Association, has called for strong action against this exploitation by the unelected LPG mafia, despite the government’s Ramazan relief package not yet being implemented.

Read: Pakistan welcomes Russia LPG shipment

Following the gas price hike, LPG prices have surged, with domestic cylinder prices rising by Rs240 and commercial cylinder prices by Rs910.

While natural gas remains inaccessible, the LPG mafia now exploits LPG as well, completing the cycle of exploitation.

Khokhar stressed that if the government sets the LPG price at Rs257 per kg, it must also ensure availability at this rate. He appealed to the prime minister to address the mafia’s exploitation, which began immediately after his inauguration.

Khokhar insisted that, in addition to lower-priced food items during Ramazan, LPG should also be available at government rates, especially given the decline in global LPG prices.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6^th, 2024.

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