Govt to tighten market monitoring to ensure fair LPG prices: Commerce minister

The government will intensify market surveillance to ensure consumers can purchase liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at the government-set price and prevent irregularities at the retail level, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said today (26 February).

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with LPG importers, suppliers and relevant government agencies at the Secretariat in Dhaka, the minister said, "Retail-level exploitation often creates difficulties for consumers. Local administrations will strengthen surveillance so that no misuse of the market takes place."

He said, "Retailers, rather than importers or bottling plant owners, are largely responsible for price irregularities in the market."

Responding to questions about a possible revision of LPG prices, the minister said importers had raised concerns regarding rising costs at the import stage and sought a review based on market data.

"These issues must be examined on the basis of evidence. No business can operate at a loss," he said, while clarifying that the government has taken no decision at present to increase LPG prices.

Addressing market supply concerns, the minister noted that several licensed operators had become inactive after political changes last August, creating a temporary gap in supply.