ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan LPG Marketers Association has announced a nationwide strike from November 16, warning that the sale of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will be suspended across the country if its demands are not accepted within 15 days.
The association has opposed the new LPG pricing formula, claiming it could increase gas prices by 25 to 30 percent and place an additional financial burden on consumers.
Ali Haider, senior vice chairman of the Pakistan LPG Marketers Association, said the industry would halt LPG sales nationwide if the authorities failed to address its concerns before the deadline.
He warned that the revised pricing mechanism would significantly increase the cost of LPG, affecting both businesses and households that rely on the fuel for cooking and other daily needs.
According to Haider, approximately 90 percent of the LPG consumed in Pakistan is transported through land routes using gas bowsers.
He maintained that the new pricing formula would also increase the cost of locally produced LPG, which accounts for around 30 percent of the country’s supply.
The association expressed concern that the revised mechanism would make domestic LPG more expensive despite its local production.
Haider said the expected 25 to 30 percent increase in LPG prices could affect consumers already facing high energy costs.
The association has given the authorities 15 days to accept its demands, warning that failure to resolve the dispute would result in a nationwide suspension of LPG sales beginning November 16.
The announced strike could disrupt LPG availability across Pakistan if the dispute remains unresolved.
LPG is widely used for cooking and heating, particularly in areas where piped natural gas is unavailable.
The association’s announcement has raised concerns about potential supply disruptions and higher fuel costs as the country approaches the winter season.