LPG distributors announce to call off strike
By Asad Cheema

ISLAMABAD—A delegation of LPG distributors and marketing companies led by its Chairman Muhammad Irfan Khakhar called on Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Ahsanullah Khan here Friday and informed him about decision of the LPG Association to call off December 17 strike.
The Minister appreciated the decision of the LPG distribution and marketing companies to call off their strike saying "We all are Pakistani and therefore, we should think about it."
He said our foremost priority should be the benefit and well being of the common man.
Ahsanullah informed the government is already providing subsidy of around Rs. 6.7 billion per annum on LPG and the benefit of this subsidy must be passed on to the consumers. Secretary Petroleum, Farrakh Qayyum enumerated the measures taken by the government to ensure that interests of all stakeholders are protected and consumers get relief and better service.
Reiterating the government's policy of giving top priority to the domestic consumers of LPG, he emphasized upon the need for investment in expansion of LPG domestic market.
Representatives of LPG marketing companies presented their viewpoint about LPG industry and appreciated the steps taken by the government to stabilize its prices. Various suggestions were made to enhance availability of LPG in the country to bridge the gap between demand and supply.
Chairman LPG Distributors Association thanked the Minister for giving them opportunity to present their views on LPG industry. He appreciated the government's decision of de-linking LPG producers' price from international prices which is consumer friendly.
He stated that had this decision not been taken the consumer price would have increased by Rs.20 per kg. He said it will bring stability in LPG prices and benefit the end consumers.
He pledged that they will ensure that the benefits of the policy change reaches the poor man.