THE LPG mafia has become completely unrestrained across the country, while those responsible for controlling it prefer to remain silent. Government officials do not bother stepping out of their offices to inspect those openly selling LPG at inflated prices. According to local sellers, they do not receive LPG from plants at the official rate, arguing that LPG plants themselves are overcharging, which forces them to sell at higher prices. Dealers also claim that many LPG plant owners are politically influential figures. Through artificial price hikes and hoarding, these individuals have earned billions of rupees.

This exploitation of the poor is clearly the result of collusion. The question is: where should the poor go, and who will listen to their grievances? When will action be taken against such powerful elements?

The poor are already burdened by the rising costs of petrol, diesel, kerosene oil, electricity and natural gas. These souls are further exploited by the LPG mafia through blatant overcharging. Kitchens in poor households have virtually shut down. Over the last three years, whatever positive measures the government has taken for public welfare have been over-shadowed by the current situation, which has made survival difficult.

Most white-collar individuals are also struggling to make ends meet, while the income of the poor and middle class has not increased. Expenses have multiplied drastically. Due to rising costs, many people are suffering from mental stress and are unable to meet even the most basic of their needs, leading to domestic conflicts.

Unemployment is on the rise. Despite minimum wages set by provincial and federal governments, workers in the private sector are often paid far below the prescribed wages. Even educated men and women are forced to work for as little as Rs10,000 per month. No authority seems to question industrialists and business owners for violating wage regulations. How long will this situation continue? What are we waiting for? When will these influential elements finally be held accountable?

Inayat Khan
Sahiwal

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2026