The ongoing severe cold wave across the country has exacerbated the woes of citizens as low Sui gas pressure continues to persist. With a lack of adequate natural gas supply, households are now increasingly turning to LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) as an alternative to meet their daily needs. However, this shift has led to a significant price hike, leaving the common man struggling.
While the official rate for LPG stands at Rs. 250 per kilogram, an organized LPG mafia has taken advantage of the high demand and low supply situation, raising the price to Rs. 310 per kilogram. As a result, the already burdened citizens are compelled to purchase LPG at inflated rates to cope with the cold weather and cook their meals.
The crisis has hit low-income households particularly hard, as they cannot afford these high prices but have no alternative. Residents of various cities have expressed frustration over the lack of regulatory control to curb these illegal practices.
According to sources, the LPG mafia is operating openly due to inadequate monitoring and enforcement by the authorities. Despite complaints by affected citizens, no immediate action has been taken to control the black market or ensure the availability of LPG at government-mandated prices.
The worsening situation demands strict intervention from the government and regulators. If left unaddressed, the inflated LPG prices could have a devastating impact on households, especially those already struggling to make ends meet. Citizens have called upon the concerned authorities to take decisive steps to regulate LPG prices and ensure that basic utilities are accessible during the harsh winter months.
As the demand for LPG continues to rise, experts suggest that the government should strengthen its supply chain, provide subsidies for low-income groups, and intensify crackdowns on black market operators to provide relief to the public. Until then, the common man continues to bear the brunt of the crisis as winter temperatures show no signs of easing.
