Govt to act against LPG hoarding with ulterior motive: PM's Adviser Zahed

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday said there is no shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the country and warned that the government will take action if anyone hoards the fuel with an ulterior motive to create public discontent.

He made the remarks at a press briefing on the progress of various government activities at Secretariat.

Citing data from the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Zahed said the country imported 157,760 metric tonnes of LPG in August, while 118,000 metric tonnes have been imported so far in September.

According to the information presented at the meeting, the country’s LPG supply and stock situation remains satisfactory, he said.

Zahed said LPG importers and operators have assured the Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources that there is no shortage of LPG in the domestic market.

They gave the assurance at a recent meeting held to review the import, stock, supply situation and market prices of LPG, he said.

Noting that LPG prices have shown an upward trend in some places despite adequate stocks, Zahed said the minister had warned all concerned to remain vigilant so that no one could hoard LPG with an ulterior motive of creating public discontent.

He also said a speculative trend is emerging in commodity markets worldwide, which could also contribute to the rising prices.

“The government is monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures,” he said.