The price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has surged sharply in Peshawar, with consumers being forced to pay up to Rs550 per kilogram, despite the official price being fixed at Rs279 per kg.
According to reports, the LPG price has increased by around Rs70 per kg over the past two days, adding to the financial burden on citizens already struggling with rising household expenses.
LPG dealers in Peshawar are reportedly selling the commodity at rates ranging between Rs500 and Rs550 per kg, significantly higher than the government-fixed rate of Rs279 per kg.
Sources said the price hike has been recorded in different areas of Peshawar, while consumers have expressed concern over the unchecked increase in LPG prices.
The sudden rise has further strained household budgets, particularly as LPG is widely used by residents during the winter season. Citizens have urged the authorities to take immediate action against sellers charging prices above the official rate.
Business representatives, meanwhile, said the increase in LPG prices was linked to higher costs in the market and demanded measures to stabilise prices.
Citizens have called on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and relevant authorities to ensure the sale of LPG at the officially notified price and take action against profiteers.
Also Read: Tax imposed on every unit of electricity used
Earlier, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced new sales tax rates for the steel sector, including a sales tax of Rs30 per unit of electricity consumed by certain steel re-rolling mills.
According to the details, the FBR has formally issued a notification amending SRO 1245, introducing revised sales tax rates for different categories of steel units.
Under the new rates, re-rollers producing steel bars from imported or locally sourced raw materials will be required to pay Rs30 in sales tax per unit of electricity consumed.
Units using locally sourced re-meltable scrap will be subject to a sales tax of Rs20 per electricity unit, while steel re-rollers operating in the former FATA and PATA regions will also pay Rs20 per unit.