Islamabad (Commerce Desk): LPG prices across the country have yet to come down, with the gas being sold in the market at around Rs300 per kilogram above official rates. As a result, consumers are being forced to pay between Rs550 and Rs600 per kilogram.
The LPG Importers Association has warned of further price increases and possible supply disruptions in November due to security concerns and the closure of border routes. According to the association, gas supplies from Iran through the Taftan border are continuing; however, security problems in Balochistan are delaying the arrival of LPG tankers. Previously, these tankers took 3 to 4 days to arrive, but now the journey takes 10 to 12 days.
Association Chairman Sheikh Mukarram Waheed said the government and OGRA had been informed about these problems for several months, but no progress had been made. He demanded that full security be provided for LPG transportation.
Meanwhile, the LPG Distributors Association observed a two-day symbolic strike against raids conducted by OGRA and Civil Defence. The association maintains that shopkeepers cannot sell gas at lower prices when they themselves are purchasing it at higher rates. It also complained that they are being fined on one hand while LPG pumps are being confiscated on the other.
Rising gas prices have also increased the difficulties faced by rickshaw drivers. According to rickshaw driver Adnan Sami Khan, he can no longer afford to fill an entire kilogram of gas and sometimes has to purchase gas worth Rs200 or Rs300 instead. He said a large portion of his earnings goes towards gas expenses, passenger numbers have declined and meeting household expenses has become difficult.
Despite rising LPG prices and sales at rates above official levels, OGRA and the Petroleum Ministry have yet to take effective measures to bring the situation under control.