LPG Being Sold at Double the Price in the Country, Relevant Authorities Remain Silent Spectators

(Digital Itla) Domestic consumers across Pakistan are facing severe overcharging on LPG prices, with the gas being sold at nearly double the official government rates. Former Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry has also strongly criticized the government's energy policy regarding this grave situation.

According to reports, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has fixed the official price of LPG at 309 PKR per kg for the month of June. Contrary to this, domestic consumers across the country are being charged over 600 PKR per kg, meaning an extra amount of around 300 PKR per kg is being extracted from them. An additional burden of 1.8 billion PKR daily is being placed on the public. Industry sources say that wholesalers took advantage of the fear of supply shortages to increase prices indiscriminately, causing a total dent of 60 to 70 billion PKR to consumers.

Taking the government to task over this energy crisis and inflation in the country, former Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that despite a massive decline in global gas prices, the rates were not reduced in Pakistan. He urged the government to immediately reduce energy prices instead of making money by imposing heavy taxes on gas and oil, so that the wheels of industry and agriculture can turn. When these sectors run, the government will receive taxes and the public will get employment.