Irfan Khokhar, Chairman of the LPG Distributors Association, announced that the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has surged by Rs50 per kilogram. He criticized LPG marketing companies and plant operators for selling at rates higher than those set by the government.
Khokhar highlighted the prevalence of black marketing within the industry. Despite the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) setting the price at Rs234.60 per kg, market prices have risen to between Rs280 and Rs285 per kg.
As a result of the price increase, the cost of a domestic LPG cylinder has risen by Rs600, now retailing at Rs3,370, whereas the official price was Rs2,770. Commercial cylinders have also increased to Rs12,435 from the earlier government price of Rs10,715.
Khokhar criticized the government for its inability to control the ‘gas mafia. He asserts that black marketing will persist until decisive action is taken against the influential LPG cartel.