Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources and Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) are silent spectators over the continuous increase in LPG prices which companies have once again raised by Rs 5 per kg and accounts for Rs 60 per domestic and Rs 240 per commercial cylinder in different parts of the country.
According to market sources, government flawed de-regulation policy of LPG prices has put consumers at the mercy of companies as they are facing unprecedented hike in LPG prices during holy month of Ramadan.
"LPG price de-regulation policy is supporting certain LPG group in market which are minting money by fluctuating prices," sources said adding that de-regulation policy of LPG price has been exploited by some LPG producers who have wiped out the importers. "Due to unfavourable ground for LPG import, LPG companies are exploiting shortage and increasing prices constantly," market sources said. LPG now remains no cheaper fuel for the consumers.
After recent hike in the price, new price of LPG will be Rs 125 per kg in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajin Pur, Meer Pur, Sargodha, and Mianwali- Rs 140 per kg in Peshawar, Murree, Muzafar Abad- in Sawat, Gilgat and FATA at Rs 155 per kg While in Lahore and Karachi no increase in LPG price has been witnessed.
After recent unfair increase in LPG price, LPG distributors have issued warning to go on strike on August 31 if LPG companies do not reduce prices. Irfan Khokhar chairman LPG dealers association said that this was unjustified increase in prices again and the Petroleum Ministry as well as Ogra were playing as silent spectators. He said that LPG companies had increased price once again in current month just in 10 days by Rs 5 per kg which accounted for Rs 60 per domestic cylinder and Rs 240 per commercial cylinder.