Pakistan is bracing for another challenging year, with the government announcing a steep increase in the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) ahead of the New Year. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has issued a notification increasing the prices of LPG by over Rs. 11.8 per kilogram, effective from January 1, 2026. The new prices will see the cost of an 11.8 kg domestic cylinder increase to Rs. 126.9.
According to the OGRA notification, the new per-kilogram price of LPG has been set at Rs. 219.68, while the cost of a domestic cylinder has been fixed at Rs. 2,592.19. This marks the second consecutive price hike for LPG, with the previous increase of Rs. 7.39 per kilogram in December 2025. The price of an 11.8 kg domestic cylinder had been increased by Rs. 87.21, and the latest hike will see it increase further.
Meanwhile, the Sindh government has initiated a crackdown on hoarding and profiteering, with the police arresting several individuals for allegedly hoarding essential commodities. The Sindh police have also arrested three individuals for allegedly engaging in aerial firing in Korangi Town.
As the country rings in the New Year, the Pakistan Emergency Service Rescue 1122 reported a busy year in 2025, receiving over 1.5 million emergency calls. In Karachi, the Traffic Police has made arrangements for those visiting the beach on New Year’s Eve.
In a significant development, Indian Foreign Minister Jay Shankar visited Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser, with the latter welcoming the former with a traditional welcome. The visit comes as tensions between the two countries remain high.
In a related development, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has clarified that the Cotton Exchange building has been handed over to the Supreme Court as a federal government property, in line with the court’s orders.
The government has also announced a ban on two-wheeler pillion riding in the country, effective from January 1, 2026. In a separate statement, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy to maintain regional peace and stability.
In a positive note, the Pakistani stock market closed at 1,74,852 points, marking the end of the year. The trend is attributed to a mathematical model proposed by German physicist Heinz von Foerster in the 1960s.
The world has witnessed a year of innovation and progress, with 2025 marking a significant year in history. In a tragic incident, renowned Quranic scholar Sheikh Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Thani passed away during a Quranic recitation, with his final moments captured on camera.
In a statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that Russia will emerge victorious in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
