Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) companies, Lub Gas (pvt) Ltd, and Mehran LPG (pvt) Ltd, have announced five to six percent reduction in ex-plant price for an 11.8 kg cylinder. "In the first phase, we have reduced the price of a 11.8 kg cylinder by Rs 15-20/- while the same would be further curtailed very soon, probably in a month or two, Fasih Ahmed, Director of Associated Group which owns these two companies told newsmen at a hurriedly called news conference on Thursday.
This is a significant cut in the prices of LPG, which will benefit the consumers, he added. Efforts would also be made that the distributors pass on the benefit to end consumers, he assured.
The price of LPG coming from Ex-Dhakni, Ex-Lahore and Ex-Sahiwal has been reduced to Rs 385/- from Rs 405/ per 11.8 kg cylinder, while in case of ex-Dhodak it has been slashed to Rs 380/- from Rs 395/- and Ex-Karachi to Rs 385/- from Rs 410/- per 11.8 kg.
He said that LPG is one of the most environment-friendly, multi-purpose fuels being used in Pakistan. An increase in the supply of locally produced LPG is helping a lot in the efforts against deforestation.
The decision regarding cut in LPG prices has been taken in consequence of additional LPG supplies from another one of our companies, Jamshoro Joint Venture Ltd, and in light of the government policy to promote the use of cheaper fuels and to make more affordable sources energy for the people, he pointed out.
To a question he said: "we have strongly recommended to our distributors to pass on the benefit to the consumers forthwith." To another question he said that efforts would be made to keep the prices stable in winter. "We are also trying to pursue the government to open up the LPG to automobile sector, as it is being used world-wide in automobiles." He further said LPG companies were also trying to seek permission from the government for setting up LPG filling stations on the pattern of CNG stations.