LPG Strike Postponed After Talks in Karachi
The LPG strike, postponed after talks in Karachi, will not take place on November 16. The Pakistan LPG Marketers Association called it off after meeting Sindh Governor Syed Nehal Hashmi on Monday.
The association had announced the strike over the lack of consultation on the LPG policy. The governor assured the delegation that its concerns would be conveyed to the relevant ministry and that necessary coordination would be facilitated.
The decision brings relief to households, transporters and food businesses that depend on liquefied petroleum gas. A strike would have disrupted supply at a time when winter demand is about to rise and the Middle East situation has already strained energy supplies.
What was agreed at Governor House
A delegation of the association met the governor at Governor House to discuss LPG supply and related policy matters in the context of the evolving Middle East situation and the prevailing energy challenges.
The governor emphasised that ensuring an uninterrupted supply of LPG was essential given the current energy challenges, according to a press release from Governor House. He assured the delegation that its concerns would be conveyed to the relevant ministry and that necessary coordination would be facilitated.
The delegation was led by Mirza Ishtiaq Baig. Minister of State Kheal Das Kohistani and National Assembly Member Shahbaz Babar were also present.
PLPGMA Senior Vice President Ali Haider said consulting all stakeholders would make the LPG policy more effective and practical.
The LPG strike postponed: what the association wanted
Haider said stakeholders had not been consulted and that the government had announced an LPG policy aimed at lowering gas prices, while prices remained high.
He said the association had offered a formula to bring down prices, and the government had to cut duties and taxes on gas imports.
The dispute over LPG prices is not new. PTI has said it will move court over LPG prices in Pakistan, arguing that consumers are paying far more than the official rate. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority notified a price of Rs294,075 per tonne for November, up from Rs279,341 in October, yet consumers in the open market have paid far more.
The LPG strike threat was the association’s response to that gap between official prices and market reality.
What consumers are paying
Consumers have been paying Rs500 to Rs550 per kg for LPG for the last few months. The gas is extensively used by the transport sector, households and outdoor dining outlets.
As a result, public transport fares have risen, and food outlets using LPG have raised prices of various dishes.
Pakistan imports most of its LPG. Bureau of Statistics data shows imports of $285 million in the first quarter of this fiscal year, up 22 per cent from $235 million a year earlier.
The link with the US-Iran standoff
Haider said the imported LPG contract price was likely to drop in December if the US-Iran war ended or eased. But winter demand would surge, and the government needed a solution to avert a deep gas crisis, he said.
The warning connects the LPG market directly to the wider regional standoff. Oil prices fell almost five per cent as Trump signalled restraint on Iran, and any easing of tensions could bring relief to fuel importers. Trump has said a war with Iran is highly unlikely.
Even so, winter is coming, and LPG demand will rise sharply as households turn to gas for heating and cooking. The government will need to manage both supply and price in the weeks ahead.
What happens next
The strike is postponed, not cancelled. The association will watch whether the ministry acts on its concerns. If consultation does not follow, the threat of a strike could return.
For now, supply continues as normal. Consumers will hope the promised formula for lower prices reaches the market before winter demand peaks.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the LPG strike planned?
The association announced a strike for November 16 because stakeholders were not consulted on the LPG policy.
Why was the strike postponed?
The strike was postponed after a meeting with Sindh Governor Syed Nehal Hashmi, who assured the delegation its concerns would reach the ministry.
What are consumers paying for LPG?
Consumers have paid Rs500 to Rs550 per kg for LPG for the last few months, far above the official rate.
How much LPG does Pakistan import?
Pakistan imported LPG worth $285 million in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, up 22 per cent from $235 million a year earlier.
Could LPG prices fall in December?
The association says the imported LPG contract price may drop in December if the US-Iran war ends or eases, but winter demand will surge at the same time.
