Due to an artificial shortage in Jhang, the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has extraordinarily increased to Rs 500 per kilogram, a major increase from Rs 380 in just ten days, which has put this essential fuel beyond the financial reach of the average citizen, while serious allegations of the crisis being artificially created are also being made.
They are accused of overcharging consumers by up to Rs 200 per kilogram by hoarding and creating an artificial shortage. The recent Iran-Israel-America conflict is allegedly being used as a pretext for the self-imposed price hike.
The local administration’s response has been described as ineffective and limited to “photo sessions.” Although authorities have sealed several small shops, they have allegedly failed to enforce the official price list. Sources claim that the reason for this is the close ties between administration officials and influential gas plant owners and distributors, none of whom have been fined or had their operations suspended.
This apparent inaction continues even as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) frequently issues notifications about official rates. The administration’s failure to control LPG prices mirrors its failure to curb similar hikes in the prices of other essential commodities, including ghee, pulses, cement, and fuel.
Retailers have expressed their frustration, stating that they are forced to buy LPG at inflated prices from distributors, leaving them with a meager profit of Rs 10 to 20 per kilogram. They claim that when administrative action is taken against them, the real beneficiaries, who earn Rs 100 to 150 per kilo, remain safe.
Meanwhile, consumers have lodged complaints not only about the exorbitant prices but also about fraudulent practices, including the use of inaccurate weighing scales by some shopkeepers. The alleged market manipulation has allowed the so-called mafia to earn millions of rupees in just a few days.
Further allegations suggest that a segment of the media, referred to as “lifafa media,” has been paid to suppress negative coverage of the issue. Journalists attempting to report factually through social and print media have allegedly received threats from these entities, warning them not to publish the news.