LPG traders threaten nationwide supply suspension from today over price row

Highlights

• LPG traders threaten a nationwide supply suspension starting 8 January
• Traders demand BERC price adjustments within a 24-hour deadline
• Supply has plummeted 60% with only 12.5 million cylinders refilled
• Protesters want higher commissions and a permanent oversight committee
• Market raids and pricing conflicts have caused widespread sector panic
• Distributors claim current pricing models are pushing them toward bankruptcy

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) traders have warned of a nationwide suspension of LPG supply and marketing from Thursday (8 January) if the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) does not announce a fresh price adjustment within 24 hours.

LPG Traders Cooperative Society Limited issued the ultimatum from a human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club today (7 January).

The programme was organised to protest the ongoing crisis and mismanagement in the LPG sector.

Addressing the gathering, the society's president Selim Khan said the country is facing a severe LPG crisis.

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He alleged that BERC has set new prices without consulting distributors, creating hardships for companies, distributors, and consumers alike.

"Instead of resolving the crisis, unnecessary controversy is being created over pricing. Raids by inexperienced Consumer Rights Protection Directorate have further panicked the market and forced many traders to shut down," he said.

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Selim Khan also criticised the current pricing system, saying that although BERC announces LPG prices monthly, companies adjust prices multiple times, leaving distributors to bear the burden.

He demanded the formation of a permanent committee and an increase in commissions for distributors and retailers.

VAT relief, lower interest rates, easier LC processing agreed to ease LPG crisis

The organisation claimed that although the country has around 55 million LPG cylinders only about 12.5 million are being refilled, resulting in a supply shortfall of nearly 60% compared to demand.

Rising costs and the closure of several companies have pushed distributors to the brink of bankruptcy, he said.

The traders urged government intervention including subsidies for inactive cylinders and measures to ensure uninterrupted gas supply.

Leaders and members of the society along with general traders participated in the human chain.