LPG Crisis Deepens Across Punjab Including Lahore, Citizens Face Severe Hardships

LAHORE: The LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) crisis has deepened in Lahore and various other cities of Punjab, with citizens facing severe difficulties. According to media reports, LPG is being sold at Rs600 to Rs650 per kilogram in Lahore, while in smaller cities and villages the price has reached up to Rs700. Due to the LPG crisis, a severe shortage of LPG has emerged in several areas of Lahore, and many shops have shut down because of the scarcity.

Criticising the government’s indifference, citizens said the LPG mafia has become unruly and is fleecing consumers with both hands. Similarly, LPG shopkeepers said the LPG marketing companies are themselves selling expensive gas, due to which they are compelled to sell gas at high prices.

Moreover, despite an increase in the import and supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the country, consumers have not received any relief in the form of a price reduction.

LPG prices remain at elevated levels in Karachi and other cities, while hopes of improved supply have been expressed after the arrival of gas-carrying ships at Port Qasim and the expectation of more gas from Iran. An LPG-carrying ship, Yellow Stone, arrived at Port Qasim from Bahrain carrying 4,000 metric tons of gas. According to a Port Qasim Authority spokesman, the ship anchored at the berth yesterday, and the handling of its gas consignment has been completed.

Earlier last week, two other ships also arrived at the port carrying more than 7,000 tons of LPG. On the other hand, an increase in LPG imports from Iran is expected. According to reports, after border clearance, more than 2,000 tons of gas is expected to reach Karachi within the next 24 hours through more than 100 bowsers. This supply is expected to improve the availability of LPG in the market.