LPG traders call off nationwide suspension on cylinder sales
The decision was announced by Selim Khan, president of the LPG Traders Cooperative Society Limited, after the meeting at the BERC office.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) traders called off their indefinite nationwide suspension on LPG cylinder supply and sales following a meeting with the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) today (8 January).
The decision was announced by Selim Khan, president of the LPG Traders Cooperative Society Limited, after the meeting at the BERC office.
During the meeting, the traders demanded an immediate halt to ongoing administrative drives across the country, an increase in charges for distributors and retailers, and measures to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply.
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BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed assured the traders that the commission would discuss the ongoing drives with the administration and take legal steps to increase the charges, according to the traders' leaders, reports Prothom Alo.
Earlier, LPG traders had announced an indefinite suspension of LPG cylinder sales and supply across the country from today, citing unresolved demands and what they described as mismanagement in the sector.
The LPG Traders Cooperative Society Limited issued a notice yesterday evening instructing distributors and retailers to halt LPG lifting from plants of all companies until their demands were met.
The traders had also issued a 24-hour ultimatum to BERC from a human chain programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, warning of tougher action if a fresh price adjustment was not announced.
Addressing the programme, Selim Khan said the country is facing a severe LPG crisis. He alleged that BERC has fixed new prices without consulting distributors, creating difficulties for companies, distributors, and consumers.
"Instead of resolving the crisis, unnecessary controversy is being created over pricing. Raids by the inexperienced Consumer Rights Protection Directorate have further panicked the market and forced many traders to shut down," he said.
Selim Khan also criticised the existing pricing mechanism, noting that although BERC announces LPG prices on a monthly basis, companies adjust prices multiple times, leaving distributors to shoulder the losses.
He demanded the formation of a permanent committee to address sectoral issues and an increase in commissions for distributors and retailers.
According to the organisation, although there are around 55 million LPG cylinders in the country, only about 12.5 million are currently being refilled, resulting in a supply shortfall of nearly 60% against demand.
Rising operational costs and the closure of several companies have pushed distributors to the brink of bankruptcy, Selim Khan said.
The traders urged the government to intervene, calling for subsidies for inactive cylinders and steps to ensure an uninterrupted gas supply.
Leaders and members of the LPG Traders Cooperative Society Limited, along with general traders, participated in the human chain.
