The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has issued 155 licences for the establishment of LPG refuelling stations of which seven have become operational. The setting up of more LPG stations will provide consumers additional fuel which is environmentally friendly and more economic as compared to gasoline.

Mohammad Irfan Khokhar, Chairman All Pakistan LPG Distribution Association, said that at present LPG is the cheapest fuel costing Rs 32-25 per litre against Rs 47 of CNG and Rs 66 of gasoline.

He said that in 2014 Pakistan imported a total 62,000 tonnes of LPG, which in 2015 jumped to 145,000 tonnes. In first 6 months of 2016 the import of commodity reached at 200,000 tonnes which by the end of year is likely to cross 400,000 tonnes. He said that local production stands at 1,600 tonnes a day and within next few month it is expected to reach at 2,500 tonnes a day.

Khokhar also urged the government to reduce taxes on LPG, which will further bring down the prices and help save foreign exchange being spent on the import of expensive crude oil, refine diesel and petrol.