LPG Mafia Accused of Overcharging in Lahore; Milli Rickshaw Union Holds Major Protest
Rickshaw Drivers Stage Demonstration with LPG Cylinders, Demand Supply at OGRA-Approved Prices
Lahore — The Milli Rickshaw Union, a subsidiary organization of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, organized a large protest at Qurtaba Chowk on Ferozepur Road, one of Lahore's busiest commercial areas, against alleged overpricing by LPG dealers, profiteering, and the failure to implement official government rates.
A large number of rickshaw drivers participated in the demonstration, placing LPG cylinders on the road to draw attention to the issue and urging the authorities to take immediate action.
The protest was led by Rana Shamshad, President of the Milli Rickshaw Union Pakistan; Muaz Ishtiaq, President of Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (City Tehsil); Abdul Hanan, Lahore spokesperson; and Hafiz Inam, General Secretary. The speakers called on the government and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to take strict legal action against those allegedly exploiting low-income consumers through excessive LPG prices.
OGRA Price vs. Market Price: Claims Raised During the Protest
During the protest and a press briefing, union representatives presented the following figures regarding LPG prices:
- OGRA's official price: PKR 241 per kilogram
- Market selling price: PKR 450–500 per kilogram
- Alleged overcharging: More than 100% above the official rate
According to the speakers, alleged negligence by the district administration and price control committees has enabled profiteers to ignore OGRA's notified rates, placing a heavy financial burden on rickshaw drivers and ordinary consumers.
Criticism of District Administration and Warning of Province-Wide Protests
Union leaders criticized the district price control system, alleging that weak enforcement has allowed illegal profiteering to continue in Lahore. They stated that verbal assurances are no longer sufficient and demanded immediate action.
Key Demands of the Union
- Immediate legal action against all LPG dealers found violating official price lists, including registration of cases and sealing of outlets.
- Guaranteed availability of LPG across Lahore at the official OGRA-notified rate of PKR 241 per kilogram.
- Strict penalties against wholesalers accused of creating artificial shortages.
The union leaders warned that if meaningful relief is not provided to rickshaw drivers, the protest movement will expand from Lahore to other parts of Punjab. They added that responsibility for any resulting situation would rest with the district administration and the relevant authorities.