LAHORE: A severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has hit Lahore and several other parts of Punjab, leaving households and businesses struggling to meet their daily energy needs amid sharply rising prices.
According to market sources, LPG is selling for between Rs600 and Rs650 per kilogram in various parts of Lahore. The situation is reportedly worse in nearby small towns and rural areas, where prices have reached as high as Rs700 per kilogram.
The shortage has also disrupted supplies across several localities in Lahore. LPG stocks have reportedly run out in some areas, forcing a number of shops and cylinder-refilling outlets to shut down.
Residents have expressed anger over what they describe as government inaction and negligence by the relevant authorities. They argue that inadequate monitoring has allowed unscrupulous sellers to charge excessive prices, placing an additional financial burden on already struggling households.
Shopkeepers, however, have offered a different explanation, saying LPG marketing companies are supplying gas to them at exceptionally high rates. They maintain that the elevated retail prices reflect their increased purchasing costs and that they are struggling to cover their expenses.
The worsening situation has prompted affected consumers to urge the relevant authorities to take immediate notice of the shortage, ensure adequate supplies, investigate alleged overpricing and launch strict action against those found exploiting the crisis.
Residents are calling for urgent measures to stabilise LPG prices and restore normal supplies, particularly in areas where consumers are facing both shortages and steep price increases.
