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Pakistan LPG Price Soars, Fueling Transport Fare Hikes & Energy Crisis

The price of a standard LPG cylinder in Pakistan has surged dramatically, increasing financial pressure on citizens and causing fares for LPG-run private transport to rise. The country faces critical energy security risks, with petroleum reserves low enough to cover only days of consumption, including just nine days of LPG stocks. Supply disruptions from the Middle East conflict and reduced imports from Iran during holidays have exacerbated the shortage. Officials are warning of a severe gas crisis after mid-April and are in talks with Iran to secure alternative shipping routes for crude oil.

Key Points: Pakistan LPG Price Surge Hits Transport, Strains Energy Security

  • LPG cylinder prices surge to Rs 5,135
  • Transport fares rise for rickshaws and buses
  • Fuel stockpiles critically low, LPG for only 9 days
  • Supply chains disrupted by West Asia conflict
2 min read

Pakistan LPG price surge intensifies hardship for citizens

LPG cylinder prices jump over 30% in Pakistan, raising transport fares and exposing critical fuel shortages amid Middle East conflict disruptions.

"the country currently has diesel reserves for 21 days, petrol for 27 days, LPG for nine days and jet fuel for 14 days - Secretary of Petroleum"

Islamabad, March 28

The average price of liquefied petroleum gas in Pakistan has surged to Rs 3,900-5,135 per 11.67 kg cylinder from Rs 3,150-3,968 amid the conflict in West Asia, local media reported.

Citing data from the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) published by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) for the week ending March 26, Pakistani daily Dawn reported that the most significant price hikes were recorded across various cities in Punjab province.

Reports suggest that as gas prices rise, fares for LPG-run private transport have increased, placing additional pressure on low- and middle-income commuters dependent on LPG-driven rickshaws, buses, and minibuses.

Amid the global rise in LPG prices triggered by the conflict, the gas supplies from Iran, which previously ranged between 10,000 and 12,000 tonnes a day, have declined due to the Eid and Nawroz holidays.

According to M. Ali Haider, Convenor of the Standing Committee on LPG of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, three vessels carrying about 20,000 imported LPG arrived in Pakistan during March.

He said the country needs around 2m tonnes of LPG annually, of which 1.2m tonnes are imported, and 800,000 tonnes are produced by local refineries.

Last week, a report highlighted that Pakistan has limited petroleum reserves, with crude oil stocks sufficient for just 11 days, raising concerns over energy security amid disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum, the secretary of petroleum said the country currently has diesel reserves for 21 days, petrol for 27 days, LPG for nine days and jet fuel for 14 days, according to a report in The Express Tribune.

Nearly 70 per cent of Pakistan's petroleum imports come from the Middle East, and the ongoing conflict has disrupted key shipping routes and supply chains, the official said.

Pakistan is in talks with Iran to secure permission for oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which could allow four vessels to transport crude cargoes if approved.

Officials also warned of a potential gas crisis, with the country likely to face a severe shortage after April 14 due to disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies.

Of the eight LNG cargoes expected in March, only two reached Pakistan, while several shipments scheduled for April may also be affected.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The article mentions reserves for only 9 days of LPG? That's an alarming level of energy insecurity. It shows how crucial regional stability is for everyone's economy. The conflict's ripple effects are being felt far and wide.
A
Arjun K
While we sympathize with the citizens suffering, this also highlights why energy independence is so vital. India has been pushing hard for renewables and diversifying sources. Dependence on imports from a volatile region makes any country vulnerable. A lesson for all.
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Priya S
My heart goes out to the low-income families and rickshaw drivers mentioned. When transport fares go up, it cripples daily wage workers the most. It's not just about cooking gas, it's about mobility and livelihood. A very difficult situation. 🙏
V
Vikram M
The data is stark. 70% of imports from the Middle East and talks for Hormuz passage... shows the geopolitical tightrope. We in India have our challenges too, but strategic reserves and multiple suppliers help cushion such shocks. Hope diplomacy finds a way to ease the supply chains.
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Karthik V
With respect, while external factors are a problem, domestic policy and planning also matter. The report says they need 2m tonnes annually. If local production is only 0.8m, that's a huge import gap they were living with. Should have been addressed sooner. Still, no one should suffer for basic energy needs.

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