PESHAWAR: Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices have surged to as much as Rs500 per kilogram in Peshawar, with consumers reportedly unable to purchase the fuel anywhere in the city at the government-notified rate.
The official LPG price stands at around Rs256 per kilogram, but the commodity is being sold for nearly double that price in several parts of Peshawar, according to local reports.
Residents say LPG prices vary from one neighborhood to another, with sellers allegedly charging their own rates and consumers being forced to pay significantly higher prices.
The sharp increase has placed an additional financial burden on households, particularly those relying on LPG for cooking and other daily needs.
LPG sellers accused of overcharging
People involved in the LPG trade are reportedly making substantial profits as prices remain significantly above the official rate. The number of LPG outlets has also increased across the city, with new shops appearing in different neighborhoods.
Local consumers have expressed concern over what they describe as unchecked profiteering and the lack of effective action to enforce the government-notified price.
According to local claims, traders associated with the LPG business have earned millions of rupees in profits over recent months amid increased investment in the sector.
Questions over administration’s silence
Despite the reported gap between the official and market prices, the district administration has allegedly failed to take effective action against those selling LPG at inflated rates.
Residents have called for immediate inspections of LPG outlets across Peshawar and strict enforcement of the government-notified price.
The reported price of Rs500 per kilogram represents an increase of almost 95% over the official rate of Rs256, raising concerns about affordability and the impact of unchecked price increases on ordinary consumers.
