The federal government has announced a new LPG relief policy to provide affordable cooking gas to low-income households during winter.
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik shared the details during a press conference alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
He said the cabinet had approved a new LPG policy on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s instructions to protect consumers from rising international energy prices and improve gas availability.
Subsidised LPG for low-income families
Households eligible for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) will receive LPG at a subsidised rate of Rs300 to Rs350 per kilogram, under the proposed relief system.
The minister explained that LPG costs could reach approximately Rs450 per kilogram when calculated according to international market prices.
The government plans to establish a fund using revenue generated from open auctions of locally produced LPG.
Malik said the government would introduce greater competition in fuel and gas imports to improve transparency and reduce unnecessary costs.
He also alleged that a cartel had operated in the petroleum sector for nearly 50 years, allowing certain businesses to earn billions of rupees while using court stay orders to protect their interests.
According to the minister, the government cannot sell imported fuel below its actual international cost without arranging financial support.
Government plans to address winter gas shortages
The petroleum minister said restrictions along Pakistan’s western borders had disrupted LPG supplies.
Although the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) had set the LPG price at approximately Rs295 per kilogram, the fuel was reportedly being sold for Rs700 to Rs800 per kilogram in some areas.
The government intends to improve LPG availability and prevent consumers from paying excessive prices during winter.
Malik also announced that domestic consumers would receive priority in natural gas supply during December and January, when demand increases sharply.
In areas facing shortages of pipeline gas, authorities plan to ensure sufficient LPG supplies as an alternative cooking fuel.
