LAHORE: Owners and drivers of auto rickshaws will stage a rally from Nasser Bagh to Governor House on The Mall on Dec 28 to protest the unjustifiable profiteering of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by the marketing companies.

An announcement to this effect was made by All Pakistan LPG Distribution Association Chairman Irfan Khokhar and Awami Rickshaw Union Chairman Majeed Ghauri at a joint news conference at the Lahore Press Club on Saturday.

Khokhar alleged the marketing companies were earning a profit of Rs100 million daily by black marketing the LPG.

“The per kilo price of local producer is Rs60 while that of imported Rs75. With 17 per cent tax, the LPG costs Rs72 a kilo and after addition of Rs26 per kilo profit of both marketing and distribution companies, it should be sold for Rs95 a kilo.

“For the third time in a week, marketing companies have increased the price of liquefied petroleum gas by Rs45 a kilo on the pretext of increase in demand because of low temperature,” he said.

Majeed Ghauri said there was no doubt that the LPG demand had increased manifold.

“After the closure of CNG stations, a large number of transport vehicles and private cars have switched over to LPG while its demand has also gone up in houses because of low gas pressure. But we have enough LPG to meet both these demands at justifiable prices.

“LPG is being sold up to Rs200 a kilo in far-off areas without any check and hindrance. It has become impossible for rickshaw owners and drivers to earn their livelihood and they are left with no option but to take to streets,” he said.

Ghauri appealed to the prime minister, the federal minister for petroleum and the Punjab chief minister to take notice and order the authorities concerned to ensure availability of the LPG at justifiable prices.

“Otherwise, ordinary people will be on the roads along with rickshaw drivers,” he said.

Published in Dawn December 21th , 2014