LPG prices rise, but never fall

Every inflated cylinder price tells the story of a broken system that favours syndicates over consumers. Photo:TBS

In households across Bangladesh, the hiss of a gas stove signals life—meals cooking, families coming together. But lately, that comforting sound is starting to fade. Why? The relentless rise in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) pushes this everyday essential out of reach for millions of families.

The government has tried to regulate prices, reality tells a harsher story. Syndicates are playing a dangerous game, manipulating prices with no regard for the struggles of the average consumer. While LPG pricing spins out of control, one question looms: Who's holding them accountable?

How did we get here?

Let's rewind. Back in 2009 when the Awami League took office, they made the bold decision to halt new residential gas connections. At the time, it made sense—a way to ease pressure on the country's limited gas resources.

But as the years passed, that "temporary measure" became permanent. By 2019, a formal directive completely ended new connections, forcing households to rely on LPG cylinders for their daily cooking needs. 

This created a vacuum—a golden opportunity for syndicates to step in and take control of the market. And control they did, dictating prices, and distribution without much resistance.

A market that ignores rules

According to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), a 12kg LPG cylinder should cost Tk1,455. But step into the real world, and you'll often pay Tk1,600 or more. Why? Because many retailers simply ignore the official rates.

There's no enforcement, no watchdog ensuring these prices stick. Worse still, there's no clear way for consumers to fight back. No list of authorized sellers. No hotline to report unfair pricing. 

The system is opaque by design, leaving ordinary people at the mercy of profiteers.

Behind this mess is a web of syndicates—business groups and local power brokers who operate unchecked. They know the rules don't apply to them, and they wield their influence to keep it that way.

The human cost: When LPG becomes a luxury

For families, especially those with limited incomes, the rising price of LPG isn't just an inconvenience—it's a crisis. Many are cutting back, cooking less, or turning to firewood and other hazardous alternatives.

I've heard stories of retailers hoarding cylinders to create artificial shortages, jacking up prices while families wait helplessly. Some households have even faced the nightmare of cylinder explosions, caused by substandard equipment sold with no oversight.

This isn't just about money—it's about safety, dignity, and the right to a basic necessity.

What needs to change

It's easy to point fingers, but what's harder and more urgent is finding solutions. Here's where I think we can start:

1. Structured distribution networks
   Imagine a system where every region has authorized LPG centres that strictly follow government-fixed prices. These centres would be registered, monitored and held accountable. 

Consumers would finally know where to go for fair prices and those who break the rules would face real consequences.

2. Safer equipment, fewer tragedies
   Substandard cylinders are a ticking time bomb. Regular inspections by certified professionals could save lives and rebuild trust in the LPG supply chain.
3. Empowering consumers
   Why not give people the tools to fight back? A database of authorised sellers, a system for online complaints, or a simple hotline could make a world of difference. If we can make it easy for consumers to report unfair practices, we can begin dismantling the syndicates' grip.

The rising cost of LPG is more than an economic issue—it's a test of fairness and accountability. Millions of families are counting on the government to act, to step up and bring order to a chaotic market.

For me, this isn't just about price tags or policy reforms. It's about people—families who deserve to cook their meals without fear of being exploited or endangered. It's about creating a system that works for everyone, not just the few at the top.

The time for empty promises has passed. Let's demand real action, real reform, and a future where every home can afford to turn on the gas without breaking the bank. When we fix this, we're not just making life easier for millions of families—we're giving them back their dignity.

Nafew Sajed Joy is a writer and researcher. He is a former student of the Department of Printing and Publication Studies at the University of Dhaka.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.