LPG Prices Remain High Across Punjab Despite Official Rate; Mafia Earns Over Rs2.5 Billion in Two Weeks

LAHORE: Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices have yet to decline in Lahore and other parts of Punjab, with the fuel reportedly unavailable at the officially notified rate anywhere in the province.

According to an LPG distributor, the alleged LPG mafia has earned more than Rs2.5 billion in profits over the past two weeks by selling the commodity at inflated prices.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has fixed the official LPG price at Rs280 per kilogram. However, the commodity is being sold in the market at prices ranging from Rs550 to Rs575 per kilogram across Punjab.

Shopkeepers claim that the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) force and other departments are taking action against retailers, but OGRA has yet to take action against any LPG plant operators over the high prices.

They argue that LPG is being supplied by plants at rates exceeding Rs525 per kilogram, making it impossible for retailers to sell the commodity at lower prices.

According to available figures, daily LPG consumption in Punjab ranges from 7,000 to 7,500 kilograms. The alleged profiteering amounts to more than Rs300 per kilogram, placing a significant additional financial burden on consumers.

The continued gap between the official price and market rates has raised concerns over price regulation and enforcement, with consumers still waiting for relief despite the officially notified rate.