Lahore: The significant increase in the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) across Punjab has created new problems for domestic consumers. After a significant difference was revealed between the price fixed at the official level and the prices charged in the market, consumers have demanded immediate intervention from the relevant institutions.
According to market sources, the government has fixed the official price of LPG at Rs 308 per kilogram; however, several retail shopkeepers in different cities, including Lahore, are selling the same gas to consumers for Rs 480 to 500 per kilogram. Thus, consumers are having to pay an additional Rs 200 per kilogram compared to the official price.
Sources say that shopkeepers in different areas increase the price by Rs 10 to 20 per kilogram daily at their discretion, due to which there is no uniform pricing system in the market. Due to this situation, consumers are facing changing prices daily.
According to experts, LPG is used as the primary domestic fuel in rural areas, small towns and areas where natural gas supply is limited. The continuous increase in prices has further increased the monthly expenses of low and middle-income families.
Consumers say that despite the existence of government prices, their non-implementation in the market is worrying. According to them, due to the lack of an effective price monitoring system, some elements are profiteering while the common citizens are directly bearing the brunt of it.
Trade circles are of the opinion that factors such as supply, transport costs and supply and demand in the market also affect prices; however, consumers say that if the government price is fixed, its implementation should be ensured.
Citizens have demanded that federal and provincial authorities effectively monitor prices in the market, take action against hoarding and illegal profiteering and ensure the availability of LPG at government prices so that the public can be saved from further financial pressure.