LPG prices stay high in many Pakistani cities despite Oman cargo arrivals
Two LPG cargo ships from Oman reached Pakistani ports, but prices in most cities remain between Rs. 520 and Rs. 650 per kg. Karachi and Quetta saw some reductions, while Lahore shops were affected by a strike.
- Two LPG ships from Oman arrived at Pakistani ports on Sunday, but prices have not fallen significantly in most markets.
- Prices range from Rs. 520 per kg in Quetta to Rs. 600 or more in the twin cities.
- The official LPG rate is Rs. 279.34 per kg, according to ProPakistani.
Liquefied petroleum gas prices have stayed high across Pakistan even after two cargo ships carrying LPG from Oman arrived at Pakistani ports on Sunday. The arrival had raised expectations of lower prices, but rates in most markets have not fallen significantly, according to ProPakistani and Express News.
Express News reported that the rising prices in Karachi stopped after the shipments. The retail price there fell by up to Rs. 50 per kg, and the outlet said LPG was being sold at Rs. 500 per kg across the city. ProPakistani, citing local market prices, put the Karachi rate at Rs. 550 per kg.
In Quetta, the price fell by Rs. 30 to Rs. 520 per kg, according to both outlets. In Punjab, including Lahore, Express News said LPG was selling at Rs. 550 to Rs. 575 per kg. ProPakistani listed Rs. 570 in Peshawar and Rs. 600 in Attock, Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Express News reported that 11,500 tonnes of LPG were imported by sea from Oman and Bahrain last week. Iranian LPG is still not being supplied to the market, but reports that the border is opening and trade is resuming are pulling prices down, the outlet said.
ProPakistani reported that LPG shops in Lahore stayed closed for a second consecutive day because of a strike. Express News said shopkeepers blamed the action of the Punjab enforcement force, which they said seizes their gas equipment. They also said plant operators are not being pursued.
According to Express News, a spokesperson for LPG distributors said the Punjab chairman of the LPG Distributors Association, Mian Ajmal, was granted bail. The outlet said he had been detained by the enforcement force a day earlier and a case was registered.
ProPakistani said the price surge has pushed cylinder costs above Rs. 10,000 in some parts of the country, while an 11kg domestic cylinder has reached Rs. 6,500 in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The official rate is Rs. 279.34 per kg, but consumers are paying far more amid shortages and limited enforcement, it said.
Why it matters
LPG is a household cooking fuel, so prices far above the official rate directly affect families in cities across Pakistan.
