LPG crisis intensifies, difference between official rate and market price of Rs. 300 per kg

The sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) at exorbitant prices continues across the country; despite the government setting an official price, consumers are forced to pay an additional ~300 rupees per kilogram. There are also concerns that prices may rise further in the coming days due to supply delays, security risks, and various restrictions.

Supply Disrupted in Balochistan; Delays in Arrival of Tankers

The LPG Importers Association has warned the government that the closure of border crossings and security issues could further disrupt gas supplies in November. According to the association, while LPG shipments from Iran via the Taftan border are ongoing, gas-laden tankers are facing significant delays in reaching their destinations due to the security situation in Balochistan.

Previously, these tankers would arrive within three to four days; however, it now takes them 10 to 12 days to reach their destinations. This delay has disrupted market supply, and certain elements are allegedly exploiting the situation to sell gas at arbitrary, inflated prices.

Sheikh Mukarram Waheed, Chairman of the LPG Importers Association, stated that concerns regarding security and supply have been raised with government authorities for several months. These issues were highlighted during meetings with OGRA (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority) officials and through written correspondence, yet no practical progress has been made.

He has urged the government to provide full security for LPG transport tankers so that the supply chain can return to normal operations. 

Two-Day Symbolic Strike by Distributors

Meanwhile, the LPG Distributors Association has staged a two-day symbolic strike, expressing concerns over the actions taken by OGRA (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority) and the Civil Defense department. The Association argues that enforcement actions should be directed toward plant owners rather than shopkeepers; after all, if shopkeepers are forced to purchase gas at a high cost, how can they possibly sell it to consumers at a lower price?

According to the Association, shopkeepers are being fined, and LPG dispensing units are being removed—measures that are further compounding the difficulties faced by those in the business.

High Gas Prices Hit Rickshaw Drivers' Earnings

Rising LPG prices are affecting not only the general public but also rickshaw drivers. Speaking to Express News, a rickshaw driver named Adnan Sami Khan explained that it has become difficult for him to afford even a single kilogram of gas; he is often forced to get by by purchasing gas worth only 200 or 300 rupees at a time.

He noted that a large portion of his daily earnings is spent on fuel, while finding passengers has also become a challenge. Even when he does secure a passenger, they often fail to pay the full fare.

According to Adnan Sami Khan, the traffic police also issue fines amounting to thousands of rupees daily, making it increasingly difficult for him to cover his household expenses. He shared that he is often forced to leave for work without breakfast, and the situation has reached a point where he and his family are facing the threat of starvation. The high cost of LPG is also driving up the prices of other essential commodities. 

Issues Regarding Compliance with Official Rates Persist

The significant gap between the government-mandated price of LPG and the rates actually charged in the market continues to be a source of distress for consumers across the country. Importers point to supply-related challenges and a lack of adequate security arrangements, while distributors have raised objections regarding government interventions.

Meanwhile, consumers and rickshaw drivers are facing financial strain due to the high cost of gas. So far, neither OGRA (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority) nor the Ministry of Petroleum has taken effective measures to bring the situation under control.