LPG prices soar in Lahore amid gas shortage

LAHORE: Residents of Lahore are facing a sharp increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices amid reports of low gas pressure and shortages of natural gas, placing an additional financial burden on consumers.

Although the government has fixed the official LPG price at Rs241 per kilogram, consumers in various parts of the city report purchasing the fuel at rates ranging between Rs410 and Rs460 per kilogram.

According to residents, LPG is not available at the officially notified price in any area of Lahore, with retailers charging rates significantly higher than the government-approved level.

The price disparity has sparked concern among consumers, who say they are being forced to pay inflated prices due to the shortage of alternative fuel sources and the increased demand for LPG.

Retailers, however, attribute the situation to supply-chain issues. Shopkeepers claim that they receive LPG from distributors and middlemen at already elevated prices, making it difficult to sell the product at the official rate without incurring losses.

“We are purchasing LPG at higher prices from suppliers. It is not possible to buy expensive stock and then sell it according to the official price list,” several retailers said.

Consumers have called on the authorities to take action against profiteering and ensure the availability of LPG at government-notified rates, while also addressing the issue of low gas pressure that has increased dependence on LPG across the city.

Officials have yet to issue a detailed response regarding the reported price differences and supply concerns.