The Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry President Muhammad Saleem Memon on Monday expressed concern over the acute shortage of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and uncontrolled prices in Hyderabad. Despite OGRA fixing the official rate at approximately Rs309 per kg, LPG is being sold in different areas of the city for Rs450 to Rs500 per kg, according to Memon.
Price Gap Highlights System Failure
Memon said the difference of about Rs190 per kg between the official rate and the market price is clear evidence that the price control system has completely failed. He added that the concerned institutions are not fulfilling their responsibility in providing relief to the people.
“The people of Hyderabad are already facing natural gas shortage, low pressure and strict gas schedule, due to which thousands of domestic consumers, tandoors, tea houses, hotels, restaurants and small businesses are facing problems,” Memon stated. He noted that artificial shortages and illegal profiteering have compounded the difficulties for the public and business community.
Demands for Investigation and Action
Memon demanded an immediate investigation into the supply, hoarding, and pricing of LPG. He called for indiscriminate action against those involved in illegal profiteering and insisted that LPG be made available to citizens at government rates.
He further demanded that more licensed companies and service providers be allowed to operate in the LPG and domestic and commercial gas supply sector. This, he argued, would promote a competitive environment, provide better facilities to consumers, improve supply, and discourage unnecessary price hikes.
Call for Stringent Measures Against Illegal Practices
The chamber president also urged strict action against illegal refilling and unsafe sales centres. He appealed to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Commissioner Hyderabad, Deputy Commissioner Hyderabad, and OGRA to take immediate notice of the situation.
“If this serious situation is not controlled, its direct burden will fall on the common citizens and small businesses, who are already under severe pressure from inflation,” Memon warned.
