LPG: crisis beyond prices

Business Recorder says LPG has climbed sharply in Pakistan, with an 11.6kg cylinder costing up to Rs7,000 this week, more than twice its level a year earlier. The commentary links the squeeze to disrupted trade across the Pakistan-Iran border and suspended Qatari supplies amid the US-Iran conflict, leaving two important sources less accessible.

Millions of households outside piped-gas networks depend on LPG for cooking and heating, and some three-wheelers use it as fuel. Demand typically rises from 4,000-4,500 tons a day to 6,000-7,000 tons in winter, while reported retail prices of Rs600 per kilogram or more contrast with OGRA’s October notified rate of about Rs280. The article warns that constrained supply could compound affordability concerns with shortages, and says higher LPG costs could also add to rural inflation.