The Pakistani government has announced a major change in the system used to determine Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices, raising hopes that consumers across the country may soon see a reduction in cylinder prices.
According to media reports, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that responsibility for determining national LPG prices be transferred from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to two state-owned companies.
Following the prime minister’s instructions, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik has reportedly assigned the responsibility to Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Sui Southern Gas Pipelines Limited (SSGCL).
Previously, OGRA was responsible for announcing regulated LPG prices in Pakistan. Under the newly reported arrangement, PSO and SSGCL are expected to play a central role in determining LPG prices nationwide.
The decision comes at a time when rising LPG prices have placed additional financial pressure on households and businesses, particularly in areas where natural gas connections are unavailable.
In another important development, the government has reportedly placed import orders for additional LPG shipments. Vessels carrying the fuel are expected to arrive in Pakistan next week.
The arrival of these shipments is expected to improve LPG availability in the domestic market. Officials are hopeful that increased supplies could help bring down prices and provide relief to consumers.
LPG is widely used across Pakistan for cooking, heating, and commercial activities. Millions of consumers, particularly those without access to pipeline gas, depend on LPG cylinders for their daily needs.
Higher LPG prices directly affect household budgets, while restaurants, small businesses, and other commercial users also face increased operating expenses.
However, the government has not yet announced the exact revised LPG price per kilogram or the expected reduction in domestic cylinder prices.
It also remains to be seen when the new pricing arrangement will formally take effect and how quickly its benefits will reach consumers.
For now, attention is focused on the arrival of imported LPG shipments and the announcement of revised prices.
The coming days will determine whether the government’s latest decision translates into meaningful financial relief for households and businesses struggling with high energy costs.