Gas loadshedding causes hike in price of firewood

Islamabad

Increase in gas loadshedding in the winter season has led to a significant hike in the prices of firewood, coal and liquefied natural gas (LPG) in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The price of firewood has increased from Rs800 to Rs1,200 per 40 kg, while prices of coal and LPG have also increased up to Rs100 per kg and Rs150 per kg respectively.

“The dealers are taking undue advantage of gas loadshedding because the people have now no option except to run their stoves on firewood,” said Shakeel Rajput, a resident of G-10 sector.

He said they have been facing low gas pressure for last few weeks and have lodged several complaints but nothing has been done so they have decided to use the alternatives to cook food. The low gas pressure is badly affecting the routine life of the people.

In Rawalpindi, the affected areas include Satellite Town, Sadiqabad, Allahabad, Jhanda Cheechi, Shamsabad, Dhoke Kala Khan, Nayya Mohallah, Raja Bazaar, Banni, Purana Qilla, Mohallah Waris Khan, Allama Iqbal Colony, Tench Bhatta and Dhoke Ratta.

The residential sectors falling in G series of the capital city are mainly facing low gas pressure and the hotels and restaurants have installed large gas cylinders to meet their commercial requirements.