LPG prices hit Rs5,135 amid Middle East crisis

The national average price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) surged to Rs3,900-5,135 per 11.67 kg cylinder, up from Rs3,150-3,968, according to the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) for the week ending March 26. Punjab cities saw the largest increases.

The rise in LPG prices has already forced higher fares for rickshaws, buses, and minibuses that run on LPG, affecting low- and middle-income commuters.

Industry officials attribute the surge to the US-Israel conflict, which pushed global LPG prices higher. Iran’s daily shipments, normally 10,000-12,000 tonnes, slowed due to Eid and Nauroz holidays.

1. Ali Haider, convenor of the Standing Committee on LPG of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said three imported LPG vessels carrying about 20,000 tonnes arrived in March. “The country has roughly 13-14 days of LPG stock. Iranian supplies should resume after holidays, helping stabilize supply and demand,” he added.

Pakistan’s total LPG demand stands at 2 million tonnes annually, with 1.2 million tonnes imported and 800,000 tonnes produced locally. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data show the LPG import bill fell four per cent to $696 million in the first eight months of FY26, compared to $725 million in the same period last fiscal year.