The main local producers of LPG, JJVL, PARCO, and OGDCL have increased the LPG price by Rs 9594 per ton. Now the ex-factory prices are JJVL Rs 72,639, PARCO Rs 79, 425, OGDCL Rs 79.425 and PPL Rs 74,979. The average price is almost Rs 76 per kg but the consumers are paying pay around Rs 95 per kg. The difference of Rs 19 is for the marketing companies, distributors and retailers.
For one cylinder of 11.8 kg the profit for the above middlemen is Rs 224 whereas the retailers are making on six rupees per kg. The all important question is what services the marketing and distribution companies are rendering to the consumers that they are charges Rs 13 per kg.
Adding insult to the injury is the fact that government is charging Rs 30 per kg as various taxes. If the government had reduced its share along with the marketing and distribution companies, there was no need to increase the prices of LPG, rather the prices could have been reduces by Rs10 per kg.
The interest of the people should be protected at all costs in a democratic setup. The present government should deregulate LPG and petroleum products.
S T HUSSAIN
Lahore