Pakistan gas crisis: Families return to firewood as LPG prices soar ahead of winter

In Pakistan's Rawalpindi, families are returning to traditional cooking methods such as firewood, coal and kerosene due to limited natural gas availability and soaring LPG prices. LPG cylinder prices have increased significantly, with domestic cylinders now costing PKR13,500 (Rs 4,644) compared to PKR10,000 (Rs 3,440) earlier. Refill charges have also risen from PKR3,000 (Rs 1,032) to PKR5,000 (Rs 1,720).

The cost of firewood and coal has also increased, with dry firewood selling for PKR1,500 (Rs 516) to PKR1,800 (Rs 619) per maund, and ordinary firewood ranging from PKR1,300 (Rs 447) to PKR1,400 (Rs 482) per maund. Coal prices are between PKR800 (Rs 275) and PKR1,000 (Rs 344) per maund, depending on quality, while sawdust costs around PKR700 (Rs 240) per maund.

Residents are relying on cheaper alternatives such as discarded furniture wood and sawdust to cope with the crisis. The government faces pressure to curb market manipulation, as at least 70% of LPG is imported from Iran, with the remaining 30% produced locally.