LPG distributors divided over strike call

Distributors are divided over a strike call as one group has called a strike over the increase in prices of LPG.

LAHORE: Liquefied Natural Gas (LPG) distributors are divided over a strike call for August 31 as one group has called for staging a strike over the steady increase in prices of LPG, while the other is refusing to take part in it. Prices of LPG increased by Rs3 to Rs110 per kilogramme on Wednesday.

The All Pakistan LPG Distributors Association (APLPGA) said it will not take part in the strike while LPG Distributors Association Pakistan (LPGDAP) said it will support the shutdown.

APLPGA vice chairman Attique Khan said the strike is being called by an unauthorised body, which has nothing to do with the LPG industry. He said the LPG industry is already facing problems due to the floods and a strike call will deepen the woes.

“Pak Arab Refinery Company has been closed due to the floods and in addition the roads of Mehmoodkot have been washed away and there are no means of transportation of LPG,” he said. “Under such conditions, a strike will play havoc with the business,” he lamented.

On the other hand, LPGDAP chairman Irfan Khokhar said that the LPG marketing companies and producers have increased the prices for the fifth time. He said the strike would be observed at any cost. “We cannot run our businesses due to the everyday increase,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2010.