LPG strike postponed after talks

KARACHI: The Pakistan LPG Marketers Association has postponed its planned strike after a meeting with Sindh Governor Syed Nehal Hashmi on Monday.

The PLPGMA had annou­nced a strike for Nov 16 over the lack of consultation on the LPG policy.

The meeting discussed LPG supply and related policy matters in the context of the evolving Middle East situation and prevailing energy challenges.

The Sindh governor emphasised that ensuring an uninterrupted supply of LPG was essential given the current energy challenges, a press release from the Governor House said.

PLPGMA Senior Vice President Ali Haider stressed the importance of consulting all stakeholders in formulating the LPG policy, saying their input could help make the policy more effective and practical.

The governor assured the delegation that their concerns would be conveyed to the relevant ministry and that necessary coordination would be facilitated.

The delegation was led by Mirza Ishtiaq Baig. Minister of State Kheal Das Kohis­tani and National Assembly Member Shahbaz Babar were also present.

Consumers have been paying Rs500-550 per kg for LPG for the last few months.

The gas is extensively used by the transport sector, households and outdoor dining outlets.

As a result, consumers are paying high fares, especially in public transport such as big buses, minibuses and three-wheeler rickshaws. Food outlets using LPG have already raised prices of various dishes.

According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data, the country imported LPG worth $285 million in 1QFY27, up 22pc from $235m in the same period last fiscal year.

Mr Haider said stakeholders had not been consulted and that the government had announced an LPG policy aimed at lowering gas prices, while prices remained high.

He said the association had given a formula that could bring down prices, while the government had to cut duties and taxes on gas imports to provide relief to the public.

Mr Haider said the contract price of imported LPG was likely to drop in December if the US-Iran war either ended or its intensity subsided.

However, demand for LPG would surge in winter, and the government needed to find a solution to avert a deep gas crisis, he said.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2026

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