LAHORE: The shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has worsened due to disturbed supplies from Iran, traders said.
Pakistan imports about 7,000 metric tons of LPG a day from Iran, according to the Pakistan LPG Association.
More than 4,000 tons a day enters through Gabd-Rimdan alone, said Shamsul Haq, former president of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“These imports are at halt,” Haq said.
He added that more than 1,000 Pakistani containers carrying potatoes, bananas and rice for Iran were also stranded. However, Pakistani exports of perishable goods were later restored.
Traders said the price of a 12 kg LPG cylinder had risen to 7,000 Pakistani rupees (USD25) from 4,500 rupees (USD16) within days and could climb further if the disruptions persist.
Hundreds of trucks, including LPG tankers, are stranded on both sides of the border, Haq said. The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry has advised members to stop placing new orders with Iran until further notice.
Truck drivers stuck at the supply route said they had been waiting for days in harsh conditions with limited access to basic amenities.
Pakistan-Iran trade totalled about USD2.8 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year, including roughly USD684 million of Pakistani exports, according to the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Pakistan LPG Association Chairman Irfan Khokhar warned shortages and price increases could worsen.
“Already, LPG is being sold at different prices in Pakistan,” he said.
A 12 kg cylinder sells for about 7,000 rupees in Balochistan, 7,500 rupees in Lahore and 8,200 rupees in Skardu, he said, adding that higher LPG prices were feeding through to other goods.
Lahore resident Farhat Abbas said he paid 250 rupees per kg for LPG before the closure but now pays 500-600 rupees per kg.
Consumers fear shortages and rising prices could worsen as winter approaches.
On a visit to Tehran this week to discuss the US-Iran war, Pakistan’s army chief also discussed issues with Iranian leaders. Iran’s foreign ministry said consultations on resuming trade were underway.