ISLAMABAD: The shortage of LPG in local market has increased the prices of domestic and commercial cylinders by up to Rs200 in the local market ahead of winter. The LPG distributors are anticipating that an increase in the prices of LPG globally and discontinuation of import of LPG from Taftan will lead the per kg increase further.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) allowed an increase of Rs120 per 11.8 kg domestic cylinder for the month of October; however, the deficit in demand and supply of LPG is widening due to discontinuation of LPG supply, and increase LPG consumption in winter. In last three days, prices of LPG cylinders have increased in various cities in the country by up to Rs200, setting aside the notified prices.

Market sources said that the rate of domestic cylinder of 11.8 kg increased by Rs60, and by Rs200 on commercial cylinder. The price of per kg LPG has increased in the last three days. In local market, per kg price of LPG is Rs130 per kg. Chairman LPG Association Irfan Khokhar attributed the surge in price of LPG to shutting down of Jamshoro Joint Venture Limited, and the Taftan border closure for import of LPG from Iran.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020