Pakistan is facing growing concerns over liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices as consumers reportedly pay significantly more than the official rates set by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). The price gap has raised concerns about possible hoarding, supply disruptions and the rising cost of household fuel ahead of winter.
According to a report published by Dawn on October 18, 2026, domestic LPG cylinders weighing 11.8 kilograms were reportedly selling for around Rs5,000, compared with OGRA’s notified price of approximately Rs3,296 for October.
LPG Cylinders Selling Above Official Prices
The reported market price is around Rs1,704 higher than the regulated price of an 11.8kg domestic cylinder. This difference is putting additional pressure on households that depend on LPG for cooking and heating, particularly in areas without access to piped natural gas.
OGRA increased the official LPG price for October by Rs20.69 per kilogram, taking it to Rs279.34 per kilogram. The notified price of a standard domestic cylinder rose by approximately Rs244 to Rs3,296.23.
Government Raises Concerns Over LPG Hoarding
The Petroleum Division has raised concerns that imported LPG is not being regularly collected from import terminals, despite shipments reportedly arriving in line with domestic demand. Officials warned that irregular lifting of supplies could contribute to an artificial shortage and push prices higher.
The government has directed OGRA, provincial administrations and relevant federal agencies to coordinate efforts to improve supply, prevent hoarding and enforce notified prices. Authorities have been asked to pay particular attention to remote, hilly and off-grid areas where households rely heavily on LPG.
Consumers Face Higher Household Expenses
The price difference is adding to the financial burden on families already dealing with rising living costs. Consumers who rely on LPG because piped natural gas is unavailable may be particularly affected by market prices that exceed official rates.
The government has also highlighted plans to introduce a transparent and competitive mechanism for selling locally produced LPG. According to the Petroleum Division, the proposal aims to improve competition and make supplies more accessible, although legal proceedings have delayed progress.
Authorities Urged to Restore Stable LPG Supplies
The latest concerns have prompted calls for stronger monitoring of LPG distribution and action against suppliers found violating applicable pricing rules. Ensuring that imported supplies move efficiently from terminals to consumers will be important in addressing shortages and reducing pressure on market prices.
For now, the key challenge is to improve availability and ensure that consumers can purchase LPG at notified rates, particularly as demand increases during the colder months.
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