The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority has issued a notification announcing a slight increase in LPG prices for December 2024.
The price of a domestic LPG cylinder has increased by ₹1,000. 1.32 while the price of commercial cylinder increased by Rs. 5.07 for December 2024.
According to OGRA, the LPG production price has increased by Rs. 112.16 per metric ton, bringing the price of a kilogram to 112.16 pounds per metric ton. 254.30, up from Rs. 254.19. As a result, the domestic cylinder price increased from Rs. 2,999.47 to Rs. 3000.79 while the cost of commercial cylinder has increased from Rs. 11,540.33 to Rs. 11,545.41.
Chairman of the Pakistan LPG Industries Association, Irfan Khokhar, criticized the government for failing to enforce official prices across the country. He accused the authorities of losing control, allowing the black market to flourish. “There is no LPG plant that supplies LPG at the fixed price fixed by the government. The mafia is controlling the market, and black marketing of LPG is at its peak,” Khokhar explained.
He lamented that small LPG traders are bearing the brunt of hefty fines, while those involved in large-scale malpractices are escaping punishment. “The government should ensure the supply of LPG at official prices from factories instead of penalizing small retailers,” he demanded.
Highlighting the essential nature of LPG, Khokhar said it remains a crucial fuel for low-income households, meeting their cooking needs. However, the current rise in prices has made it difficult for many to afford LPG, increasing the burden on the already suffering poor.
Pakistan is facing a severe natural gas crisis, as many areas cannot secure enough gas to cook two meals a day. LPG, as an affordable alternative, has the potential to fill this gap. However, domestic production only meets 40 percent of demand, forcing the country to rely on imported LPG to cover 60 percent of its needs.
Khokhar urged the government to prioritize availability of LPG at official prices to provide relief to the masses. He also appealed to all LPG traders to ensure compliance with OGRA price directives and help stabilize the market.