MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) crisis in Azad Kashmir has worsened, according to media reports.
Daily life in Jhelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, and surrounding areas has been disrupted due to a severe shortage of LPG.
The unavailability of gas has forced several restaurants to shut down their operations, while domestic consumers are also facing significant difficulties.
According to reports, gas distributors, agency holders, and shopkeepers have suspended the sale and supply of gas, causing immense hardship for consumers.
The public argues that while it is the responsibility of the relevant authorities to ensure that gas is sold at legally mandated prices, the complete suspension of supply, ostensibly under the guise of this issue, effectively deprives the public of a necessity.
Representatives from the public, social, and business sectors have urged the Azad Kashmir government, the district administration, and OGRA (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority) officials to take immediate notice of the LPG crisis and ensure an uninterrupted supply of gas.
They have demanded legal action against distributors and agency holders who fail to comply with Supreme Court directives and the prices set by OGRA.
Furthermore, they have called for the suspension of licenses and the sealing of agencies found to be in violation.
The public has made it clear that neither the sale of gas at arbitrary, self-determined prices nor the suspension of supply—as a means to avoid selling at regulated rates—is acceptable under any circumstances.
The public has appealed to the government and the administration to intervene immediately to rescue the people from this artificial shortage and crisis.
