TAXILA: Consumers are being forced to pay almost twice the officially notified price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Taxila and Wah, exposing what residents describe as a glaring failure of the administration and price-control authorities to protect them from profiteering.

While the government has fixed the official price of LPG at Rs254 per kilogram, consumers claimed that the commodity was openly being sold for between Rs380 and Rs450 per kilogram at various locations in Taxila and Wah.

The difference of Rs126 to Rs196 per kilogram has placed an additional burden on households already struggling with rising prices of food, electricity and other essential commodities.

For families relying on LPG as an alternative fuel during prolonged gas outages, however, there is little scope to avoid the inflated prices. What has particularly angered consumers is not merely the steep price difference but the alleged absence of effective action against those violating the official rate.

Sellers charge up to Rs450 per kg despite official rate fixed at Rs254, say consumers

Residents claimed that LPG sellers were charging whatever price they deemed appropriate, apparently without fear of inspection, penalties or other regulatory action. They questioned why an officially notified price was being disregarded in the open market while the authorities appeared unable, or unwilling, to enforce it.

Consumers alleged that the gas shortage had effectively created an opportunity for profiteers to exploit increased demand. With households turning to LPG whenever piped gas supplies are suspended or remain inadequate, demand has risen, particularly in rural settlements and densely populated localities.

“The government says the price is Rs254 per kilogram, but we are being forced to pay Rs400 or even Rs450. Who is responsible for this huge difference?” asked a Taxila resident named Zahid Mehmood.

The question confronting the authorities is therefore straightforward: if LPG is officially priced at Rs254 per kilogram, why are consumers in Taxila and Wah being made to pay up to Rs450 – and why has effective action against the alleged violators remained elusive, Waheed Shah, a local labour union activist said.

Another consumer, Asma Perveen, said the situation had become unbearable for ordinary families. “We have no gas for cooking and are compelled to buy LPG. The sellers know we have no alternative, so they charge whatever they want. If authorities are conducting inspections, why are these rates still being charged openly?” she questioned.

“The official rate exists only on paper. In the market, sellers have their own rates, and consumers have no choice but to pay,” said another resident, Owais Shah.

According to Social activist Kalsoom Chaudhry, the lack of visible enforcement has created a perception that violators have been given a free hand to exploit consumers.

Residents demanded that the official price be prominently displayed at LPG outlets and that a functional complaint mechanism be publicised so that consumers could immediately report overcharging.

When contacted, officials of local administration said that various outlets were sealed for selling the commodity at exorbitant rates. The officials called upon the public to register their complaints at the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (Pera) and Qeemat Punjab apps so that the violators may be dealt with as per law.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2026