ISLAMABAD: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has informed the National Assembly that 70 per cent of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is imported through land routes, while border closures have created supply problems, ARY News reported.
Responding to a calling attention notice regarding the increase in LPG prices, the minister said the government was in talks to explore alternative sea routes for LPG imports.
He said the official price of LPG was Rs280 per kilogram, adding that local gas was being supplied to domestic consumers for eight hours during breakfast and meal times.
During the session, Ayaz Sadiq asked whether LPG imported through sea routes would also be expensive. In response, Ali Pervaiz Malik said LPG prices were linked to Saudi Aramco rates, which had increased to $705 per tonne.
The petroleum minister further informed the house that the supply of 900 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar had been suspended due to the war.
He acknowledged that the government did not have a clear policy on LPG prices but said a policy would be announced soon.
Ali Pervaiz Malik added that the government would work with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and provincial authorities to take action against artificial shortages and overcharging in the LPG market.