World · South & Central Asia · 4 hrs ago
LPG price surge in Pakistan cuts rickshaw drivers’ earnings and meals
Iran border closures halted LPG imports into Pakistan from two crossings on October 17, traders say.
Before the closures, Pakistan imported about 7,000 metric tons of LPG a day from Iran, according to the Pakistan LPG Association.
A 12-kilogram LPG cylinder rose 56% to 7,000 Pakistani rupees within days, traders say.
The higher costs are hitting Lahore rickshaw drivers, many of whom use LPG to run their vehicles.
Rashid Ali, a driver in the city, says he now earns about $3 a day, down from $6.50, and his family has cut back on meals.
Passengers are also resisting higher fares, making it harder for drivers to cover fuel and household costs.
The reason for the border closures is disputed: Balochistan's government cited security and smuggling, while Iran gave differing explanations involving technical issues and Pakistan's import paperwork.
LPG prices in Pakistan have surged since two crossings on the Iran border closed on October 17, halting imports, traders say.
The price of a 12-kg cylinder rose 56% within days to 7,000 Pakistani rupees, traders said.
The higher fuel costs have cut earnings for rickshaw driver Rashid Ali, whose family has reduced meals.
Passengers have resisted higher fares, adding to drivers’ financial pressure.
Pakistan’s Balochistan government cited security and smuggling for the border decision, while Iranian officials gave different explanations.
- Who
- Pakistani LPG users, including rickshaw drivers such as Rashid Ali, are affected.
- What
- A surge in LPG prices has reduced drivers’ earnings and led Ali’s family to cut back on meals.
- When
- Prices have risen since October 17. The reports were published between November 1 and 4, 2026.
- Where
- Pakistan, with reporting focused on Lahore; another report describes wider fuel pressures in Rawalpindi.
- Why
- Traders said two Iranian border crossings closed, halting imports. Pakistan’s Balochistan government cited security and smuggling, while Iranian officials gave different explanations.
Balochistan government
Iranian officials
Reason for border closures
Balochistan government
The Balochistan government cited security and smuggling.
Iranian officials
Iran’s foreign ministry said technical issues were to blame; Iran’s ambassador said Iran had imposed no restrictions and blamed changes in Pakistan’s import paperwork.
Pakistan imported about 7,000 metric tons of LPG a day from Iran, according to the Pakistan LPG Association.
Two Iranian border crossings closed, halting imports, traders said.
The price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder rose 56% to 7,000 Pakistani rupees, traders said.
A report from Lahore described Rashid Ali’s reduced earnings and his family cutting back on meals.
- 12-kg LPG cylinder
- 7,000 Pakistani rupees after a 56% increase
- LPG imports from Iran
- About 7,000 metric tons a day before the border closures
- Rashid Ali’s daily earnings
- About $3, down from $6.50
- Awami Rickshaw Union
- About 70% of its 43,000 auto-rickshaws and nearly 8,000 Qingqis run on LPG
3 sources
What people are saying
Now, it's just not possible to get by on seven or eight hundred (rupees), is it?
For a trip that should cost 200 or 250 rupees, they might only offer 80, 100, or 150 rupees
the fuel of the poor