The average price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Pakistan has risen to Rs 3,900-5,135 per 11.67 kg cylinder from Rs 3,150-3,968 due to the conflict in West Asia. Significant price increases were observed in various cities in Punjab province, as reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) through the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) for the week ending March 26.
As gas prices continue to climb, fares for LPG-run private transport have gone up, adding pressure on low- and middle-income commuters who rely on LPG-fueled rickshaws, buses, and minibuses. The global surge in LPG prices, influenced by the conflict, has led to a decrease in gas supplies from Iran, which typically ranged from 10,000 to 12,000 tonnes daily, due to Eid and Nawroz holidays.
M. Ali Haider, Convenor of the Standing Committee on LPG of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, mentioned that three vessels carrying around 20,000 imported LPG arrived in Pakistan in March. Annually, Pakistan requires about 2 million tonnes of LPG, with 1.2 million tonnes imported and 800,000 tonnes produced locally.
Concerns over energy security have arisen in Pakistan, with limited petroleum reserves lasting only 11 days for crude oil, 21 days for diesel, 27 days for petrol, 9 days for LPG, and 14 days for jet fuel. The ongoing West Asia conflict has disrupted nearly 70% of Pakistan’s petroleum imports from the Middle East, affecting shipping routes and supply chains.
Pakistan is in discussions with Iran to secure permission for oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially allowing four vessels to transport crude cargoes if approved. Officials have also cautioned about a possible gas crisis post-April 14, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies facing disruptions. Only two out of the eight expected LNG cargoes arrived in March, and upcoming shipments in April are also at risk of being impacted.
