ISLAMABAD: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices have surged across Pakistan, with consumers reportedly being charged almost double the official rates, while regulatory authorities face criticism over inaction.
According to official figures provided by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), the announced price for LPG in the month of June is Rs 309 per kg. Nevertheless, consumers in their domestic capacity are reportedly buying the product for more than Rs 600 per kg, which is almost 100% markup on the announced price.
The situation has placed a significant financial burden on households, with estimates suggesting an additional cost of around Rs 1.8 billion per day for consumers nationwide. Industry sources claim that wholesalers have taken advantage of supply concerns, leading to unchecked price increases in the market.
Overall losses to consumers are estimated to have reached between Rs 60 billion and Rs 70 billion due to inflated pricing practices.
The crisis has drawn political criticism, with former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry strongly questioning the government’s energy policy. He argued that despite a decline in global gas prices, no meaningful relief has been passed on to consumers in Pakistan.
He further called upon the government to decrease energy prices rather than depend on heavy taxation of oil and gas, saying that low prices will help revive the economy and agriculture, which will increase employment as well as revenue for the government.
The government has not yet responded officially regarding the allegation of overcharging of LPG.
