Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices have surged to record levels in Pakistan amid reported supply disruptions and border closures, placing additional financial pressure on households that depend on the fuel for cooking and heating.
According to a report by 24NewsHD TV, LPG distributors say prices have climbed sharply in several parts of the country, with consumers in hilly areas paying significantly more than the official rates announced by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
The reported increase has raised concerns about affordability, market regulation and the availability of LPG, particularly in areas where households have limited access to piped natural gas.
LPG Prices Reach Rs600 Per Kilogram
LPG distributors reported that the price had reached Rs600 per kilogram in hilly areas, while consumers in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were reportedly paying around Rs500 per kilogram.
The higher prices are increasing the cost of a fuel widely used by households for everyday cooking and, during colder weather, heating.
Irfan Khokhar, chairman of the LPG Distributors Association, said domestic LPG cylinders were being sold for approximately Rs7,200 in hilly areas and Rs6,000 in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
These reported market prices are substantially higher than the official rates announced for October, raising questions about the gap between regulated prices and what consumers are actually paying.
Official LPG Rate Significantly Lower
According to Khokhar, OGRA had fixed the October LPG price at Rs279 per kilogram, with the official price of a domestic cylinder set at approximately Rs3,350.
The difference between the official rate and the prices reported by distributors is considerable.
In Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the reported market price of Rs500 per kilogram is nearly twice the official rate. In hilly areas, the reported price of Rs600 per kilogram is even higher.
The difference could place a significant burden on households that need to purchase LPG regularly, particularly families already dealing with rising living costs.
Khokhar criticised OGRA for what he described as a failure to address the gap between official prices and market rates. He alleged that consumers were being overcharged.
The reported figures reflect prices cited by the LPG distributors’ representative; the extent of overcharging and the reasons for regional price differences would require verification by the relevant authorities.
Supply Disruptions Blamed for Price Surge
Distributors have attributed the increase to supply disruptions and border closures that have affected LPG availability.
When supplies become limited while demand remains high, prices can rise, particularly in areas that depend heavily on delivered fuel.
Hilly and remote regions may face additional distribution costs, which can contribute to differences in the prices consumers pay. However, the reported price increases have raised broader concerns about the availability and distribution of LPG across the country.
Khokhar warned that prices could rise further in the coming days if supply problems were not addressed.
Any further increase could make it more difficult for households to afford cooking fuel, especially in areas where alternative energy sources are unavailable or expensive.
LPG Cylinder Costs Put Pressure on Households
The reported cylinder prices illustrate the financial impact of the increase.
According to the distributors’ association chairman, a domestic cylinder was selling for around Rs6,000 in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Rs7,200 in hilly areas.
These prices are considerably above the reported official cylinder rate of Rs3,350.
For households that rely on LPG as their primary cooking fuel, the increase means a larger share of their monthly budgets may have to be allocated to basic energy needs.
The impact may be particularly severe for low-income families, residents of colder regions and households without access to piped gas.
If the supply situation does not improve, consumers could face additional pressure as they try to manage essential household expenses.
Distributors Call for Immediate LPG Imports
To bring prices under control, Khokhar has urged the government to arrange immediate LPG imports and use the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) terminal to improve supplies.
He argued that increasing availability could help stabilise the market and reduce pressure on prices.
Additional imports, if arranged and distributed effectively, could help address shortages. However, the eventual impact would depend on the quantity of fuel brought into the country, delivery arrangements and the speed at which supplies reach affected areas.
The proposal places the focus on supply management as authorities face concerns over the rising cost of an essential household fuel.
Questions Raised Over Price Regulation
The difference between the official LPG rate and reported market prices has also renewed questions about price monitoring and enforcement.
OGRA sets official LPG prices, while market conditions and distribution arrangements affect the prices consumers encounter in different locations.
The distributors’ association has called for action to address the reported gap, while the immediate challenge remains ensuring adequate supplies and preventing consumers from facing excessive costs.
Clear communication from the relevant authorities could help consumers understand the official rates, report suspected overcharging and obtain information about steps being taken to improve availability.
What Happens Next?
LPG prices could remain under pressure if supply disruptions continue. Distributors have warned of further increases, while the proposed use of the SSGC terminal and immediate imports have been presented as possible measures to improve availability.
For now, the reported market rates remain far above the official October price, leaving households concerned about the cost of cooking fuel.
The situation highlights the importance of reliable LPG supplies, effective market monitoring and timely action by the relevant authorities. Whether prices fall will depend on improvements in supply and distribution, as well as any measures taken to address the reported difference between official and market rates.
Also read: Government raises LPG prices for September
