Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has told the National Assembly that 70 per cent of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is imported through land routes, and that border closures have caused supply problems. Responding to a calling attention notice on the increase in LPG prices, he said the government is in talks to explore alternative sea routes for imports.
LPG pricing linked to Saudi Aramco rates
He said the official price of LPG is Rs280 per kilogram. Local gas is being supplied to domestic consumers for eight hours, during breakfast and meal times.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq asked whether LPG imported by sea would also be expensive. Malik said LPG prices are linked to Saudi Aramco rates, which have risen to $705 per tonne.
Also read: Iran says Pakistan border open, LPG exports unrestricted
Qatari LNG supply suspended due to war
The minister told the house that the supply of 900 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of liquefied natural gas from Qatar has been suspended due to the war.
Government promises LPG policy and action on overcharging
Malik acknowledged that the government does not have a clear policy on LPG prices, but said a policy would be announced soon. He added that the government will work with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and provincial authorities against artificial shortages and overcharging in the LPG market.
