KABUL (SW): Citizens across the country are irked by unprecedented hike in the price of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) but officials are blaming illegal hoarders for it.
The per kilo price for the LPG has swollen from around 40 afghanis to a staggering 70 afghanis in various parts of the country. Mohammad Samim Salam, director for petroleum at the Ministry of Trade and Industries (MoTI), told Salam Watandar in this regard that there are no legitimate reasons behind the hike in the prices of domestic gas. He added that much of the LPG in Afghanistan comes from Turkmenistan and that country has overcome the issue of shortages in supply.
Salam added that Afghanistan plans to increase the amount of gas imported from Turkmenistan in the coming two weeks. “We have the resources available at our disposal to resolve this issue and await the decision of the higher authorities.
The MoTI officials claim their efforts would ensure per kilo price for the domestic gas comes down to around 45 afghanis. Meanwhile, in the markets across Kabul, the LPG remains to be sold at the inflated price leaving the citizens worries for the upcoming winter.
ENDS
