Stakeholders demand pricing reforms, stronger security and regulatory changes to avert supply disruption
LAHORE: Pakistan’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry has given the federal government a three-day ultimatum to address longstanding concerns over pricing, security and regulatory policies, warning that it will launch a nationwide strike next week if its demands remain unresolved.
The warning came during the All Pakistan LPG Industry Conference in Lahore, where more than 1,000 representatives, including importers, marketing companies, distributors, transporters and plant owners, criticised the existing regulatory framework and called for immediate reforms.
Participants argued that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) determines LPG prices based only on locally produced supplies while ignoring the higher costs of imported LPG, transportation and prevailing market conditions. They also urged authorities to crack down on the manufacture and sale of substandard LPG cylinders, warning that they pose a serious threat to public safety.
Industry cites rising costs and security challenges
Representatives further criticised outdated freight rates and dealer margins, saying current calculations fail to reflect transportation costs for imported LPG arriving from destinations as far as 3,300 kilometres away in Iran.
Transporters also complained about alleged harassment by enforcement agencies and highlighted worsening security conditions in Balochistan. According to industry representatives, repeated attacks on LPG transport vehicles have caused financial losses estimated at Rs1.5 billion.
They added that more than 450 companies currently import LPG into Pakistan but continue to face unnecessary regulatory obstacles and operational disruptions.
Strike planned if demands remain unmet
The conference unanimously approved a Charter of Demands and established an Industry Coordination Committee to present its proposals to the government.
Industry leaders claimed the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan has pushed retail LPG prices above Rs500 per kilogram, although they argued prices could fall to nearly Rs250 per kilogram under stable conditions.
They warned that if authorities fail to implement meaningful reforms within three days, LPG plants, transport operations and retail outlets across the country will suspend operations. Industry representatives also announced plans to organise nationwide protests until the government addresses their concerns.
