KARACHI: The Pakistan LPG Marketers Association (PLPGMA) has postponed its planned nationwide strike scheduled for November 16 following a meeting with Sindh Governor Syed Nehal Hashmi on Monday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The association had announced the strike over the government’s alleged failure to consult industry stakeholders on the proposed LPG policy.
During the meeting, the participants discussed LPG supply, pricing and related policy matters amid evolving geopolitical developments in the Middle East and prevailing energy challenges.
According to a press release issued by the Governor House, Governor Hashmi emphasised the importance of ensuring an uninterrupted LPG supply to meet the country’s energy requirements. He assured the delegation that its concerns would be conveyed to the relevant ministry and that necessary coordination would be facilitated.
PLPGMA Senior Vice President Ali Haider stressed that consultation with all stakeholders was essential for formulating an effective and practical LPG policy. He said the government had announced a policy aimed at reducing LPG prices without adequately involving industry representatives.
Haider said the association had proposed a pricing formula that could help bring down LPG prices. He also called on the government to reduce duties and taxes on imported LPG to provide relief to consumers.
The delegation was led by Mirza Ishtiaq Baig, while Minister of State Kheal Das Kohistani and MNA Shahbaz Babar also attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, consumers have been paying between Rs500 and Rs550 per kg for LPG over the past few months, significantly increasing the cost of fuel for households, transport operators and food businesses.
The rising prices have also pushed up public transport fares, particularly for buses, minibuses and three-wheeler rickshaws. Restaurants and outdoor dining outlets relying on LPG have also increased the prices of various food items.
According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data, Pakistan imported LPG worth $285 million during the first quarter of FY2026-27, registering a 22 per cent increase compared with $235 million in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
Haider further said that the contract price of imported LPG could decline in December if tensions between the United States and Iran eased or the conflict subsided.
However, he cautioned that LPG demand was expected to increase significantly during winter, urging the government to take timely measures to prevent a severe gas shortage and ensure affordable supplies.
