Gas cuts escalate alternative fuel costs

Local shopkeepers urge authorities to regulate prices of wood and coal

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RAWALPINDI:

The extreme cold and persistent interruptions in Sui gas supply have triggered a sharp rise in the prices of alternative fuels, including coal, dry wood, cylinder gas, and kerosene, in the open market. The middle class is disproportionately bearing the brunt of these soaring costs.

The irregular supply and low pressure of Sui gas have forced tandoors and hotels to rely on commercial gas cylinders, with prices for a full-size cylinder surging to Rs14,000. A mini cylinder now costs Rs800, a medium cylinder Rs1,500, and a bottle of kerosene oil is being sold for Rs180, often dispensed in empty beverage bottles at inflated rates.

Similarly, dry wood is being sold for Rs2,000 per kilogramme, slightly wet wood for Rs1,700 per kilogramme, high-quality coal for Rs150 per kilogramme, and medium smoke coal for Rs130 per kilogramme. The escalating coal prices have also impacted the street food industry, raising prices among barbecue vendors and cart hawkers.

The limited availability of dry wood, coal, and kerosene oil has further aggravated the problem. Without official price regulation, a union of wood sellers is setting rates, causing significant price hikes. Small catering businesses and households have resorted to using wood as fuel, leading to a 30–35% rise in wood and coal prices despite record sales.

Local shopkeepers, including Chaudhry Imran and Sajid Khan, have urged the authorities to regulate the prices of wood and coal, similar to how the deputy commissioner sets grocery rates, to bring relief to citizens struggling to cope with the crisis.