No guarantee consumers will get LPG at govt-set price: BERC chairman
“If we receive specific complaints against any company for charging higher prices, we will take action,” BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed warned.
Highlights
- BERC raises the price of a 12kg LPG cylinder by Tk53 to Tk1,306 for Jan
- New prices will take effect from 6pm
- BERC chairman says there is no guarantee consumers will get LPG at the fixed price
- Allegations of overcharging at distributor level under discussion with LPG Association
- Autogas price increased by Tk2.48 to Tk59.80 per litre
- Supply pressure blamed on shipping shortages from the Middle East
The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has increased the retail price of a 12kg LPG cylinder by Tk53 to Tk1,306 for January, but its chairman stated that there is no guarantee that consumers will be able to buy the fuel at the government-set rate.
The regulatory body announced the revised price today (4 January), which will come into effect from 6pm.
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"We cannot guarantee that consumers will be able to purchase LPG at the exact price we have set," BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed told journalists after announcing the new price.
He informed that a meeting was being held at the Secretariat today to discuss the ongoing LPG situation, with members of the LPG Association in attendance. "Allegations of overcharging at the distributor level will be discussed there, and BERC will also hold talks with the association on the issue."
Explaining the pricing mechanism, the BERC chairman said the commission determines prices by calculating the full cost incurred by companies that import LPG.
He further said, "The association has claimed that its members are supplying LPG at the approved rates. BERC has also coordinated with the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection to conduct drives against overpricing.
"If we receive specific complaints against any company for charging higher prices, we will take action," Jalal Ahmed warned.
Under the revised pricing, the retail price of a 5.5kg LPG cylinder has been set at Tk599. Other prices include Tk1,360 for a 12.5kg cylinder, Tk1,663 for 15kg, Tk1,742 for 16kg, Tk1,959 for 18kg, Tk2,176 for 20kg and Tk2,395 for 22kg.
Larger cylinders have been priced at Tk2,721 for 25kg, Tk3,265 for 30kg, Tk3,592 for 33kg, Tk3,809 for 35kg and Tk4,898 for a 45kg cylinder.
The price of autogas, used in motor vehicles, has also been increased by Tk2.48 per litre, from Tk57.32 to Tk59.80.
The BERC chairman also said the main supply challenge was linked to shipping constraints in the Middle East. "Importing companies had been advised to increase imports from Singapore to ease the pressure."
Referring to problems related to letters of credit (LCs), he said some companies were facing difficulties in bringing in consignments despite opening LCs, and assured that the government would take action at the highest level if needed.
