The price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has increased by Rs50 per kilogramme, according to Irfan Khokhar, Chairman of the LPG Distributors Association.

Khokhar accused LPG marketing companies and plant operators of defying government-set prices and selling LPG at inflated rates.

He stated that the black marketing by LPG companies is rampant, with no LPG available at the official rate anywhere in the country.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) had set the official price at Rs234.60 per kg, but the market price has soared to Rs280-285 per kg.

Following the price hike, the cost of a domestic LPG cylinder has increased by Rs600, now selling at Rs3,370 instead of the official Rs2,770. Similarly, commercial cylinders are now priced at Rs12,435, up from the government-set price of Rs10,715.

Khokhar criticised the government for yielding to the gas mafia, stating that the black marketing will continue until the authorities take action against the powerful LPG cartel.