LAHORE, Jan 17: The first imported LPG cargo of the new year arrived on Saturday that would assist the industry in meeting winter demands of the country, the LPG Association of Pakistan claimed in a press statement.

“A vessel bearing 2,581 metric tons of imported LPG has berthed at Port Qasim,” said LPGAP Spokesman Fasih Ahmed. The import would improve supply position and bring down cost throughout the country. He said additional cargoes of 2,500 metric tons each are also expected to arrive at Port Qasim this month.

Ahmed said that demand was brisk enough to support the 7,500 metric tons of product being imported this month. LPG retail prices had been inordinately high in the Punjab, but have come down to certain extent and would go down further with Saturday’s imports, he claimed.

“LPG producers and marketing companies abide by Ogra rules and operate under its watch,” said Ahmed. “There are over 70 Ogra-licenced LPG marketing companies in Pakistan which results in a near-perfect competition to the ultimate advantage of the consumer,” he said, adding that the financial and operational details of each Ogra licensee are available with the regulator.

Ahmed said LPG marketing companies are providing product to LPG distributors at a nationwide average of Rs59 per kg and that the agreed gross margin for LPG distributors is Rs5 per kg. Based on these figures, the maximum retail price should be closer to Rs65 per kg, he said.