The Oil and Gas Regulator Authority has increased the rate of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by more than Rs20 per kilogramme, ahead of the winter season in the country. The new prices would be applicable from tomorrow (Sunday).

“The reason behind the increase is that the LPG producer price is linked with Saudi Aramco-CP and US$ dollar exchange rate,” Ogra said in a statement on Saturday.

The decision comes on the eve of an expected increase in the petrol prices in Pakistan.

Earlier this month, caretaker Power Minister Muhammad Ali said that the government would soon announce some changes in the gas prices. He hinted that there would be minor changes in the rate of the lower-income segment because their affordability was less.

The price of a domestic cylinder, weighing 11.8kg, was Rs3,079.64 for October against Rs2,833.49 in September, up by Rs20.86 per kg.

“As compared to the previous month Saudi Aramco-CP has increased by 9.53% and the average dollar exchange rate has gone up to 1.15% resulting-in an increase in LPG consumer price by Rs246.15/11.8 kg cylinder (8.7%),” said the authority.

On September 1, Ogra increased the rate of liquified petroleum gas by nearly Rs40 per kg.