Pakistan’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry has warned of a nationwide strike next week if the government fails to address its concerns over pricing, security, and regulatory policies within three days.
The warning was issued during the All Pakistan LPG Industry Conference in Lahore, where more than 1,000 representatives from across the LPG supply chain gathered to raise concerns over the worsening crisis in the sector. The participants included importers, marketing companies, distributors, transporters, plant owners, and retailers.
The conference was chaired by LPG industry leader Haji Nouman Ahmed. Industry representatives accused the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and other relevant authorities of failing to reflect actual market conditions in LPG pricing decisions.
Participants argued that OGRA’s official price notifications are based mainly on locally produced LPG and do not take into account the higher cost of imported LPG, transportation charges, security-related expenses, and ground realities faced by the industry.
They said the current pricing mechanism has created serious difficulties for companies and distributors, especially at a time when imported LPG has become a major part of the country’s supply chain.
LPG transporters also criticized what they called outdated freight rates and dealer margins. They said OGRA continues to apply local freight rates despite the fact that LPG is being imported from long distances, including routes from Iran that can stretch up to 3,300 kilometers.
Transporters further claimed that worsening security conditions in Balochistan have made LPG movement increasingly risky. They said repeated attacks and disruptions have caused losses of up to Rs. 1.5 billion, while also pushing up supply costs.
Industry representatives claimed that the security situation in Balochistan has contributed to a sharp increase in retail LPG prices, which they said have crossed Rs. 500 per kg in some areas. They argued that under normal conditions, LPG could be sold at around Rs. 250 per kg.
The conference also raised concerns over substandard LPG cylinders, calling them a major public safety threat. Participants urged the government to take strict action against manufacturers and distributors involved in producing or selling unsafe cylinders.
Speakers said more than 450 companies are currently involved in importing LPG into Pakistan but continue to face unnecessary regulatory hurdles. They also accused enforcement agencies of conducting raids and sealing LPG plants without properly understanding industry operations.
At the end of the conference, stakeholders unanimously approved a Charter of Demands and formed an Industry Coordination Committee. The committee will present the industry’s recommendations to the government.
Industry leaders warned that if their demands are not accepted within three days, LPG plants, retail outlets, and transport operations across the country will be shut down. They added that traders are also preparing to hold nationwide protests until the government introduces reforms.
