Pakistan Reopens Key Border Crossing with Iran for LPG Flow

Pakistan reopened the Gabd-Rimdan crossing with Iran on Saturday, allowing trucks carrying LPG and essential food supplies to resume movement after a suspension that began on October 17. Pakistan reopened its border crossing with Iran at Gabd-Rimdan on Sunday, restoring bilateral trade and allowing stranded trucks carrying liquefied petroleum gas and essential food commodities to resume movement after a week-long suspension. Trade operations resumed at the crossing, also known as Gate 250, in Balochistan's Gwadar district, with border officials clearing commercial consignments holding consignment notes dated October 16 or earlier to cross, according to the Dawn newspaper. Mir Naveed Jan Kalmati, president of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, confirmed the reopening, saying trucks and other vehicles were allowed to move toward Iran and Pakistan with import and export goods. He said the resumption would bring immediate relief to traders and transporters stranded on both sides and is expected to ease a nationwide LPG shortage and reduce soaring energy and food prices across Pakistan.

The closure of two key border ​crossings between Pakistan and Iran has halted liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports into Pakistan, causing shortages ‌and driving up prices, traders said. The Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan crossings were closed on October 17, with Pakistan and Iran giving different reasons for the move. The Balochistan government, in the Pakistani province where the crossings are located, said the temporary closure was ​intended to address security concerns and curb smuggling, while Iran's foreign ministry cited technical issues.

Pakistan imports ​about 7,000 metric tons of LPG a day from Iran, according to the Pakistan ⁠LPG Association. More than 4,000 tons a day enters through Gabd-Rimdan alone, said Shamsul Haq, former president of the ​Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "These imports are at halt," Haq said. He added that more than 1,000 Pakistani ​containers carrying potatoes, bananas and rice for Iran were also stranded. However, the Gabd-Rimdan crossing reopened on Wednesday for Pakistani exports of perishable goods. Traders said the price of a 12 kg LPG cylinder had risen to 7,000 Pakistani rupees (US$25) from 4,500 rupees (US$16) ​within days and could climb further if the disruptions persist.

Hundreds of trucks, including LPG tankers, are stranded on ​both sides of the border, Haq said. The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry has advised members to stop placing ‌new orders ⁠with Iran until further notice. Truck drivers stuck at the crossings said they had been waiting for days in harsh conditions with limited access to basic amenities. "We have been standing here for over a week waiting for the border to open," said Abdul Ghani Baloch, one affected driver. Pakistan-Iran trade totalled about US$2.8 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal ​year, including roughly US$684 million ​of Pakistani exports, according to ⁠the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Pakistan LPG Association Chairman Irfan Khokhar warned shortages and price increases could worsen. "Already, LPG is being sold at different ​prices in Pakistan," he said. Consumers fear shortages and rising prices could worsen ​as winter approaches. On a visit to Tehran this week to discuss the US-Iran war, Pakistan's army chief also discussed border issues with ​Iranian leaders. Iran's foreign ministry said consultations on resuming trade were underway. - Mehr, Reuters