LPG prices surge to Rs750 per kg in some areas ahead of winter
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices have surged across Pakistan ahead of winter, with the fuel selling for between Rs450 and Rs750 per kilogram in different cities, far above the official rate set by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
OGRA has fixed the LPG price at Rs279.34 per kg for October, but consumers in several parts of the country are paying substantially higher rates as demand rises ahead of the colder months.
In Karachi, LPG is being sold for Rs500 to Rs550 per kg in different areas. In Islamabad, prices have exceeded Rs600 per kg, pushing the cost of a domestic cylinder above Rs7,000.
In Peshawar, LPG is selling for Rs450 to Rs500 per kg, while prices in Hyderabad have reached Rs550 per kg. The situation is more difficult in northern areas, where the fuel is reportedly selling for Rs700 to Rs750 per kg.
The rising prices have raised concerns that domestic LPG cylinders could cost more than Rs10,000 during winter.
Consumers, transporters raise concerns
Domestic consumers have expressed concern over the wide gap between the official price and market rates, saying the additional expense is putting pressure on household budgets. They fear costs will rise further as demand increases during winter.
Rickshaw and Suzuki drivers have also complained that expensive LPG is increasing their operating costs and eating into their earnings.
Some consumers have called on the government to ensure compliance with official rates, while others have urged authorities to address supply issues and review the pricing mechanism.
Sellers blame costly supplies
LPG dealers have attributed the increase to higher procurement costs, saying they are receiving supplies at prices that make it difficult to sell the fuel at the official rate.
Importers, meanwhile, have called for a review of the existing pricing formula. They have proposed setting prices weekly or daily instead of monthly to reflect changes in supply conditions more quickly.
With winter approaching, the growing gap between official and market prices has renewed calls for stronger enforcement of notified rates and measures to ensure affordable LPG supplies for consumers.