Rising LPG prices in Pakistan force rickshaw drivers to cut family meals

Import halt drives up costs

Traders say imports stopped when two Iranian border crossings closed on October 17. The price of a 12-kg cylinder jumped 56% within days to reach 7,000 Pakistani rupees. This marks the latest energy shock since the US-Iran war began in February.

Drivers earn less than before

Rashid Ali used to make about Rs1,700 a day but now earns only Rs800. His family eats only twice daily because his income is no longer enough for bare essentials. About 70% of the Awami Rickshaw Union members run their vehicles on this expensive fuel.

Union leaders call it crisis

Majeed Ghauri describes LPG as the fuel of the poor for these workers. Nearly 8,000 Qingqi motorcycle-based three-wheelers also rely on gas that is mainly used for cooking and heating.