KARACHI, : Pakistan has received additional imported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shipments, but consumers continue to face high prices in several parts of the country. Two vessels carrying a combined 7,603 metric tonnes of LPG from Oman arrived at Port Qasim, while another shipment of approximately 4,000 metric tonnes from Bahrain also reached the port. Despite the additional supplies, reports indicate that retail prices have yet to decline significantly in many local markets.
Additional LPG Shipments Arrive
According to media reports, one of the vessels carrying LPG from Oman delivered approximately 4,520 metric tonnes to the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) terminal, while another discharged 3,083 metric tonnes at the Engro terminal. A separate vessel, Yellowstone, carrying around 4,000 metric tonnes of LPG from Bahrain, arrived at Port Qasim on October 24.
These shipments are expected to supplement Pakistan’s domestic LPG supply and help ease shortages. However, the arrival of cargo at a port does not automatically translate into an immediate reduction in retail prices. Cargo handling, clearance, transportation and distribution to local dealers all affect how quickly imported gas becomes available to consumers.
LPG Prices Remain High Across Several Cities
Media reports published on October 26 indicate that LPG prices remain elevated in several cities. Rates of approximately Rs600 to Rs650 per kilogram have been reported in some markets. The reported rate in Karachi was around Rs550 per kilogram, while Peshawar was reported at approximately Rs570. Prices in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Attock were reported at around Rs600 per kilogram, while Quetta’s rate was approximately Rs520.
These figures reflect reported market prices and may vary by location and seller.
Why Have Prices Not Fallen?
One of the main factors behind the recent price increase has been disruption to LPG imports through the Pakistan-Iran border. Restrictions and interruptions to the movement of LPG tankers reduced the flow of supplies into the domestic market, contributing to shortages and higher prices.
The arrival of imported cargoes through the sea route has added to available supplies, but the impact on retail prices depends on how quickly the gas reaches distributors and whether regular imports through land routes resume. Local demand, transportation costs and market distribution conditions may also influence the pace of any price reduction.
A Significant Gap Between Official and Market Rates
According to a report published by Pakistan Today on October 25, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) had set the official consumer price of LPG for October at Rs279.34 per kilogram. However, significantly higher market prices have been reported in several cities.
The reported difference highlights concerns about the enforcement of official prices and the need for effective monitoring of LPG distribution and retail sales.
When Can Consumers Expect Relief?
A sustained reduction in LPG prices will depend on the continuity of imported supplies, the movement of stranded tankers, efficient distribution and compliance with applicable official pricing rules. If supply conditions improve and excessive retail pricing is effectively addressed, consumers may see some relief in the coming days.
However, an immediate or uniform price reduction cannot yet be guaranteed. Households that rely on LPG for cooking, along with restaurants and other commercial users, are waiting for the additional imported supplies to translate into more affordable prices.
For now, the key question remains whether the increase in imported LPG supplies will lead to meaningful relief for consumers across Pakistan.
