Punjab Newsline | Islamabad
Iran has halted liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies to Pakistan, triggering a sharp rise in cylinder prices and adding to the difficulties faced by consumers.
The price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder has jumped from PKR 4,500 to PKR 7,000 within a few days, marking an increase of PKR 2,500. Pakistan imports nearly 50% of its total LPG requirements from Iran, making the disruption a significant concern for the country's energy supply.
The supply disruption follows the closure of two major border crossings between Pakistan and Iran — Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan — on October 17. The government of Pakistan's Balochistan province cited security concerns and efforts to curb smuggling as reasons for the closure, while Iran reportedly attributed the move to technical difficulties.
According to the Pakistan LPG Association, around 7,000 metric tons of LPG enter Pakistan from Iran every day. The suspension of these supplies has disrupted a major source of fuel for the country.
Shamsul Haq, former president of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said more than 4,000 tonnes of gas enter Pakistan daily through the Gabd-Rimdan border crossing alone. He added that these supplies have currently come to a halt.
The disruption has raised concerns over LPG availability and affordability, with consumers facing higher costs amid the suspension of cross-border supplies.
