Closure of the Pakistan-Iran border is one of the main reasons for skyrocketing liquefied petroleum gas prices in Pakistan, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik told the National Assembly on Monday, Dawn reported. He said the government was now trying to bring in fuel by sea route instead.
The minister said 50 to 60% of LPG was imported from Iran, with the rest coming from Qatar, but supply from Qatar had been suspended because of the US-Iran war. Members told the House that in remote and northern areas LPG was selling at Rs 700 to Rs 800 per kg, against the official Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority price of Rs 280 per kg.
LPG is the main cooking fuel in far-flung areas without piped gas, and its use rises in winter, making the price spike a direct burden on households. The minister said the government was reviewing the whole system and working on a policy to source gas from abroad.
Sources: Dawn, National Assembly proceedings. Written in our own words for information only.