LPG Crisis: 12kg Cylinder Hits 7,000 Pakistani Rupees As Families Cut Back On Meals

Islamabad: LPG supply in Pakistan has been affected after the roads on the border with Iran were closed. The price of a 12 kg cylinder reached around PKR 7,000 in the open market, an increase of 56 percent in a few days. This has especially affected those rickshaw pullers of Lahore whose vehicles run on LPG. Many families are having to cut down on food due to falling earnings and rising fuel costs.

Why did LPG prices increase in Pakistan?

Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan border posts in Pakistan's Balochistan province linked to Iran were closed on October 17. This affected movement and trade between the two countries. Pakistan imports about 7,000 tonnes of LPG from Iran daily, so the closure of the border put pressure on the supply in the market. Traders said that after the stoppage of imports, the price of a 12 kg cylinder increased from Rs 4,500 to around Rs 7,000 in the open market.

Is the cylinder price the same across Pakistan?

The prices vary according to the city and area. According to Pakistan LPG Association President Irfan Khokhar, a 12 kg cylinder was being sold for around Rs 7,000 in Balochistan, Rs 7,500 in Lahore and Rs 8,200 in Skardu. Some consumers of Lahore said that earlier LPG was available at Rs 250 per kg, whereas now they have to pay Rs 500 to Rs 600 per kg.

What effect did the increase in fuel cost have on rickshaw pullers?

Lahore's rickshaw puller Rashid Ali's daily income was earlier around $6.50, but now some days he barely earns $3. High fuel prices coupled with reduced ridership and limited scope to increase fares have put pressure on their earnings. Rashid's family has started eating meals twice a day to reduce expenses. Rickshaw drivers say that passengers often refuse to travel when fares are increased.

How many rickshaws run on LPG?

According to the Awami Rickshaw Union, about 70 percent of its 43,000 auto-rickshaws run on LPG. The union president also said that around 8,000 qingzi, small three-wheelers, also depend on this fuel. Therefore, the impact of the rise in LPG price is not limited to home kitchens only; It is also increasing the expenditure on public transport and daily wage families.

When will we get relief from opening the border?

The Gabd-Rimdan post was opened on Wednesday for the export of perishable Pakistani goods, but the import of LPG was still halted. Hundreds of trucks and tankers remained stranded due to border closure. Pakistani officials cited security concerns and curbing smuggling as the reasons for the closure, while Iran cited technical difficulties. According to Iran's Foreign Ministry, both sides were talking about resuming trade.