LPGDA calls withdrawal of advance tax, and regulatory duty on LPG import

Chairman All Pakistan LPG Distributors Association (LPGDA) Irfan Khokhar Tuesday underlined the need for withdrawal of 5.5 percent advance tax and regulatory duty on import of Liquefied Petroleum Gas to ensure smooth supply of the commodity at affordable rates across the country.

“I fear LPG crisis in the coming days, if concerns of LPG importers regarding advance tax, regulatory duty, signature and premium bonus are not addressed immediately,” he said while talking to APP.

He claimed that not even a single LC (letter of credit), a bank commitment and important method of payment for international trade, had not been opened for last six days, which could affect the LPG reserves.

Irfan said the present government made sincere efforts during last four years in ensuring smooth supply of LPG and bringing down its price, which is “historic,” but the present scenario could cause shortage and black-marketing of the commodity.

Out of total 144 LPG marketing companies operating in the country, he said, only 30 had local quota while remaining 114 were totally depending on imported LPG, adding “Monthly 40 to 50 percent imported LPG is required to bridge the demand and supply gap.”

Answering a question, the chairman said 3rd international LPG conference was being held on March11 in Lahore, in which a resolution would be passed to make the LPG import feasibility, seeking complete ban on production of sub-standard LPG cylinders.