RAWALPINDI:
The extreme cold and persistent disruptions to Sui gas supplies have led to a sharp rise in prices of alternative fuels, including coal, dry wood, bottled gas and kerosene, on the open market. The middle class is disproportionately bearing the brunt of these rising costs.
Irregular supply and low pressure of Sui gas have forced tandoors and hotels to rely on commercial gas cylinders, with prices for a full-size cylinder soaring to Rs 14,000. A mini cylinder now costs Rs 800, a medium cylinder Rs 1,500 and a bottle of kerosene oil sells for Rs 180, often dispensed in empty beverage bottles at inflated prices.
Similarly, dry wood is sold at Rs 2,000 per kilogram, slightly damp wood at Rs 1,700 per kilogram, high quality charcoal at Rs 150 per kilogram and medium smoke charcoal at Rs 130 per kilogram. Rising coal prices have also hit the street food industry, driving up prices among barbecue vendors and street vendors.
The limited availability of dry wood, charcoal and kerosene has further aggravated the problem. With no official price regulation, a union of timber sellers is setting rates, causing significant price increases. Small catering businesses and households have turned to using wood as fuel, leading to a 30-35% rise in wood and charcoal prices despite record sales.
Local traders, including Chaudhry Imran and Sajid Khan, have urged authorities to regulate timber and charcoal prices, similar to how the deputy commissioner fixes grocery rates, to provide relief to struggling citizens. for facing the crisis.
