KARACHI: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices have surged sharply across Pakistan, with the national average price rising to Rs3,900–5,135 per 11.67 kg cylinder, compared to Rs3,150–3,968 prior to the Middle East conflict.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and its Sensitive Price Index (SPI) data for the week ending March 26, the steepest increases were recorded in several cities across Punjab, reflecting widespread market pressure.
The surge in LPG prices has already translated into higher fares for LPG-powered private transport, including rickshaws, buses, and minibuses—placing an additional burden on low- and middle-income commuters.
Industry stakeholders attribute the spike to rising global LPG prices triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel, as well as supply disruptions. Imports from Iran—which typically range between 10,000 to 12,000 tonnes per day—have slowed due to Eid and Nauroz holidays.
According to M. Ali Haider, Convenor of the LPG Standing Committee at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, three vessels carrying around 20,000 tonnes of imported LPG arrived in Pakistan during March.
He noted that the country currently holds LPG stocks sufficient for 13 to 14 days, adding that supplies from Iran are expected to improve after the holidays, which may help stabilise demand and prices.
Data from the PBS shows that Pakistan’s LPG import bill during the first eight months of FY26 declined by 4% to $696 million, compared to $725 million in the same period last year.
Pakistan’s total annual LPG requirement stands at approximately 2 million tonnes, of which around 1.2 million tonnes are imported, while 800,000 tonnes are produced locally by refineries.
Story by Aamir Shafaat Khan
