The cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has risen by Rs. 50 per kilogram, impacting both residential and commercial users significantly.
Irfan Khokhar, Chairman of the LPG Distributors Association, attributed the price surge to unauthorized actions by marketing firms and “plant mafias” who are now selling Liquefied Petroleum Gas at inflated rates instead of adhering to government-set prices.
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Khokhar expressed concern over widespread black-market activities nationwide, highlighting that consumers are unable to obtain LPG at official prices. Previously priced at Rs. 234.60 per kilogram, LPG is now being retailed at rates ranging from Rs. 280 to Rs. 285 per kilogram.
Following this increase, the cost of household cylinders has climbed to Rs. 3,370 from Rs. 2,770, while commercial cylinders now sell for Rs. 12,435, up from Rs. 10,715.
The chairman criticized the government for succumbing to pressure from the gas mafia, stressing that unless decisive measures are taken against these influential groups, illegal practices like black marketing will continue unchecked.
The hike in LPG prices imposes a significant financial burden on households and businesses, prompting urgent appeals for government intervention to stabilize prices and combat unlawful market behaviors.
As consumers face the fallout of the price hike, it underscores the critical need for regulatory actions to ensure fair pricing and equitable access to essential energy resources.