Pakistan’s gas crisis is worsening following disruptions to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies from Iran and the closure of key border crossings. According to reports, the price of a 12-kilogram cylinder has exceeded 10,000 Pakistani rupees in some areas, putting additional pressure on household budgets and raising concerns about shortages and black-market sales.
Border Closures Disrupt Gas Supplies
Islamabad: Pakistan is facing mounting difficulties in securing LPG supplies after cross-border movement with Iran was halted, leaving hundreds of gas-laden trucks and tankers stranded. The disruption has affected the availability of LPG in local markets, pushing up prices in several cities.
The Pakistan LPG Association estimates that around 7,000 metric tonnes of LPG enter Pakistan from Iran each day. Shamsul Haq, former president of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said more than 4,000 tonnes of gas previously entered the country daily through the Gabd-Rimdan border crossing alone. He added that these supplies have now been completely suspended.
Sources associated with Pakistan’s Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) have identified the border closure as one of the key factors behind the worsening crisis. Reduced supplies have led to shortages in the market and a sharp increase in prices.
Pakistan also imports LPG from Iraq and Oman. However, sources say supplies from these countries have been affected by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, further complicating the country’s efforts to maintain adequate gas supplies.
A Reuters report stated that hundreds of trucks and gas tankers carrying LPG were stranded following the closure of the Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan border crossings. The resulting transport delays have restricted the flow of gas into Pakistani markets. If the disruptions to cross-border trade and imports persist, the shortage could become more severe.
12-Kilogram LPG Cylinders Cost More Than 10,000 Rupees in Some Areas
LPG prices have risen considerably across Pakistan, with consumers in several regions facing significantly higher costs for domestic gas cylinders.
Reported prices include:
- Balochistan: Up to 7,000 Pakistani rupees for a 12-kilogram cylinder.
- Lahore: Approximately 7,500 rupees per cylinder.
- Skardu: Around 8,200 rupees per cylinder.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: More than 10,000 rupees in some areas.
Traders have warned that prices could climb further if import restrictions and supply disruptions continue. Reports of black-market sales have also emerged as consumers struggle to obtain gas amid dwindling supplies.
Rising Costs Put Pressure on Households
The surge in LPG prices is creating additional financial difficulties for families that rely on the fuel for cooking and heating during the winter months. Households are being forced to spend more on a basic necessity, leaving less money available for other expenses.
Farhat Abbas, a Lahore resident, told Reuters that the price he paid for LPG had doubled or more than doubled. He previously paid 250 Pakistani rupees per kilogram but now pays between 500 and 600 rupees.
Irfan Khokhar, president of the Pakistan LPG Association, has warned that prolonged supply disruptions could lead to more serious shortages and further price increases. He also noted that the rising cost of LPG is beginning to affect the prices of other goods.
With border restrictions disrupting imports and domestic consumers facing mounting costs, the duration of the supply crisis will be a key factor in determining how severely Pakistan’s LPG market and household budgets are affected.
