HYDERABAD: The President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI) Muhammad Saleem Memon has strongly reacted to the acute shortage of LPG, black marketing and uncontrolled prices in Hyderabad and said that despite the official rate of about Rs 309 per kg fixed by OGRA, LPG is being sold in different areas of the city for Rs 450 to Rs 500 per kg, which is open exploitation of consumers.
He said that the difference of about Rs 190 per kg between the official rate and the market price is clear evidence that the price control system has completely failed and the concerned institutions are not fulfilling their responsibility in providing relief to the people.
He said that the people of Hyderabad are already facing natural gas shortage, low pressure and strict gas schedule, due to which thousands of domestic consumers, tandoors, tea houses, hotels, restaurants and small businesses are facing problems.
They are forced to depend on PG. In such circumstance, artificial shortages and illegal profiteering have increased the problems of the public and the business community manifold.
Saleem Memon raised the question that if there are government rates, why are the district administration, price control committees and related institutions failing to implement them? He said that despite numerous complaints and repeated attention, no effective action is seen against black marketing, which is giving free rein to the mafia.
He demanded that an immediate investigation be conducted into the supply, hoarding and prices of LPG, indiscriminate action be taken against the elements involved in illegal profiteering and the availability of LPG to the citizens at government rates be ensured.
He further demanded that more licensed companies and service providers be allowed to operate in the LPG and domestic and commercial gas supply sector so that a competitive environment is promoted, better facilities are provided to the consumers, supply is improved and unnecessary price hikes are discouraged.
At the same time, strict action should be taken against illegal refilling and unsafe sales centers.
The President of the Chamber demanded immediate notice from Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Commissioner Hyderabad, Deputy Commissioner Hyderabad and OGRA, saying that if this serious situation is not controlled, its direct burden will fall on the common citizens and small businesses, who are already under severe pressure from inflation.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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