Swat LPG retailers flout OGRA prices

Shopkeepers found charging as high as Rs172 per kg of LPG.

SWAT:

Despite the Oil and Gas Regulation Authority (Ogra) reducing the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) across the country, retailers in Swat are openly flouting the authority’s orders.

A survey conducted by The Express Tribune found a number of retailers selling LPG for as high as Rs172 per kg, when the rate has been fixed by Ogra at a maximum of Rs125.33 per kg in the region – a reduction of Rs50 per kg in urban areas and Rs90 per kg in hilly areas.

But while locals maintain they are being overcharged, the retailers say they have no say in the matter as the fuel is being provided to them at high rates by LPG marketing companies.

“If we are getting LPG on higher rates from the companies, how can we sell it for less?” said an LPG dealer in Mingora Bazaar, requesting not to be named.

Abdul Wahab, a resident of Malookabad said the demand for LPG has increased considerably during the winters, mainly due to unavailability of gas supply and prolonged power outages that extend up to 23 hours in some areas. “We were happy with Ogra’s decision to reduce the price of LPG, but the decision is useless if shopkeepers keep over charging,” he said.

Sub-divisional Magistrate Shah Saood, when contacted, said that immediate action will be taken against the violators. He said the Mingora police have been directed to seal shops of any LPG retailer found violating the price fixed by Ogra.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 20^th, 2012.