Pakistan is facing a severe liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage ahead of winter as supplies through the Taftan border remain suspended, pushing retail prices as high as Rs700 per kilogramme in parts of the country. The shortage comes as the official LPG price has been increased by Rs14 per kg to Rs294 per kg, according to a notification.
However, consumers report that the commodity is unavailable at the government-notified rate. In Quetta and other parts of Balochistan, LPG is being sold between Rs530 and Rs700 per kg, while prices in Karachi and Lahore range from Rs520 to Rs580 per kg.
In Peshawar, the commodity is selling between Rs600 and Rs650 per kg. Consumers in Lahore stated that LPG is being sold at shops for Rs550 to Rs600 per kg despite the official price of Rs294, urging the government to intervene.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, speaking at a private university's convocation in Lahore, said uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has affected oil and gas prices. He maintained that Pakistan has successfully navigated the situation over the past six months and that petroleum prices are determined through a transparent mechanism.
Malik added that gas supplies are arriving from Qatar and assured that ample supplies would continue during December and January. He also noted that the government is providing subsidised petrol to low-income citizens.
Meanwhile, Pakistan LPG Marketers Association Senior Vice President Ali Haider said a summary concerning the LPG pricing policy has been sent to the prime minister. Haider stated that the proposed policy would make LPG 25% to 30% more expensive and claimed it was formulated without consultation with stakeholders.
He warned that higher prices would hurt both businesses and consumers, calling on the government to deregulate the sector.