LAHORE: Representatives of the liquefied petroleum gas industry have threatened nationwide protests and a possible shutdown of businesses if the government fails to address regulatory, pricing and security concerns facing the sector.
More than 1,000 LPG importers, marketing companies, distributors, transporters, plant owners and other stakeholders from across the country attended the National LPG Stakeholders Conference in Lahore on Sunday.
The conference, hosted by industry representative Haji Nauman Ahmed, approved a joint charter of demands and called for immediate reforms to ensure an uninterrupted and affordable supply of LPG to domestic, commercial and industrial consumers.
Ahmed said LPG had become an essential fuel across the country, but businesses were facing multiple policy and administrative challenges. He said the conference aimed to present a unified industry position to the government.
Industry Raises Security Concerns
Participants highlighted security risks faced by LPG transporters and drivers, particularly while supplying fuel to Balochistan and other sensitive areas.
They urged the government to introduce effective security arrangements to ensure the safe and uninterrupted transportation of LPG across the country.
Stakeholders Question Monthly LPG Pricing System
The conference also raised objections to the monthly LPG price-setting mechanism used by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority.
Industry representatives said the existing system created uncertainty for importers, plant owners, distributors and consumers.
They called for greater consultation with stakeholders and a more transparent process before monthly LPG prices are announced.
Concerns Over Raids and Business Restrictions
Participants expressed concern over raids, enforcement actions and restrictions imposed by OGRA, the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority and Civil Defence authorities.
They said compliance with safety and regulatory laws was necessary, but legitimate businesses should not face unnecessary harassment.
The conference also discussed the sealing of LPG plants and the imposition of fines. Stakeholders demanded that businesses be given proper notice and an opportunity to explain their position before punitive action is taken.
Small distributors also called for a more transparent and fair system for allocating LPG quotas.
Coordination Committee to Present Demands
Participants agreed to establish an industry coordination committee to engage with the government, relevant ministries and regulatory bodies.
Ahmed said the committee would submit a set of joint recommendations to the authorities in the coming weeks.
The conference warned that if meaningful progress was not made on the industry’s demands, stakeholders would consider nationwide protests and the closure of LPG businesses as part of their next course of action.
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