Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies have started arriving in Lahore, bringing down its soaring prices.  Following the arrival of new stocks in the city, the price of LPG dropped by Rs 50 per kg.  However, it is still being sold at inflated rates. Even after the Rs 50 reduction, LPG is currently selling for Rs 550 per kg.  Commenting on the fresh arrivals, local LPG dealers noted that a further significant drop in prices is expected today.  Meanwhile, the government-fixed rate for LPG stands at Rs 279 per kg. 

Citizens remain concerned as the fuel is still being sold at almost double the official government rate.  Earlier, the LPG price had soared to Rs. 550 per KG, almost double the Rs. 279.34 per kilo rate fixed by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).  The mafia in the LPG sector fleecing consumers with inflated rates by jacking price of the fuel. A difference between the government-fixed rate and the artificially engineered the market price of the LPG.  LPG Distributors Association Chairman Irfan Khokhar has said that the LPG companies charging inflated rates adding that the increased demand of the fuel being used for illegal profiteering.

“There are countrywide reports of selling LPG between Rs 500 to 600 per kilogram,” he said.  The prices are apprehended to soar further with disruption in the supply, he said.  “How could the market will stabilize if the government rates of the fule not implemented,” he said. He demanded curbing the alleged black-marketing of LPG and holding the people behind it, accountable.  It is pertinent to mention here that after the gas loadshedding, skyrocketing LPG prices have added further burden over the consumers as the fuel prices have hit hard to the low-income households with soaring cost of living. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)