Chairman All Pakistan LPG Distributors Association Irfan Khokar has alleged that the marketing companies were earning Rs100 million profit daily by black marketing of LPG. "The per kilo price of local producer is Rs60 while that of imported Rs75. With 17 per cent tax, the LPG costs Rs72 a kilo and after addition of Rs26 per kilo profit of both marketing and distribution companies, it should be sold for Rs95 a kilo.
While addressing a press conference along with Awami Rickshaw Union chairman Majeed Ghauri announced that owners and drivers of auto rickshaws take out a rally from Naser Bagh to Governor's House on The Mall on December 28 to protest against the unjustifiable profiteering of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) by the marketing companies.
"For the third time in a week, marketing companies have increased the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by Rs45 a kilo on the pretext of increase in demand because of low temperature," Irfan said.
Awami Rickshaw Union chairman Majeed Ghauri said that there was no doubt that the demand of LPG has increased manifolds. "After closure of CNG stations, a large number of transport vehicles and private cars have switched over to LPG while its demand has also gone up in houses because of low gas pressure. But we have enough LPG to meet both these demands at justifiable prices.
"LPG is being sold up to Rs200 a kilo in far-off areas without any check and hindrance. It has become impossible for rickshaw owners and drivers to earn their livelihood and they are left with no option but to take to streets," he said.
Ghauri appealed to the prime minister, the federal minister for petroleum and the Punjab chief minister to immediately take notice and order the authorities concerned to ensure availability of the LPG at justifiable prices. "Otherwise, ordinary people would also be on the roads. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) should launch a vigorous and discriminate action against the marketing companies."
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