The LPG Action Committee claims that 50% of the LPG shops in Karachi have been forced to shut down due to a police crackdown. During a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, committee head Ali Haider stated that ongoing harassment from law enforcement and administrative negligence has made it increasingly challenging for businesses to operate. He highlighted that there are approximately 5,000 LPG shops in the city, and without a change in the police’s approach, many shopkeepers may be compelled to strike.
Haider called for an immediate end to what he termed unjust police interference and expressed the committee’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with authorities. He demanded the reopening of shops that comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and suggested granting a 15-day grace period for others to meet compliance. He also noted the unnecessary harassment faced by drivers transporting LPG, which disrupts the supply chain.
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The committee leader emphasized that due to administrative inaction, thousands of substandard LPG cylinders continue to flood the market, originating from areas like Gujranwala and Lahore. He criticized the government’s focus on targeting LPG distribution while ignoring the sale of unsafe products. With a shortage of Sui gas already affecting citizens, Haider urged the Sindh Chief Minister, Governor, and Interior Minister to intervene and prevent further harassment of LPG shopkeepers.
Previously, authorities in Karachi had launched an operation targeting shops selling substandard LPG cylinders, resulting in the sealing of 97 outlets in the East district and 25 in Central, coordinated with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to ensure public safety amid rising LPG usage due to gas supply shortages.
