Sellers are continuing to sell liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at inflated prices despite ongoing government drives, with some 12-kg cylinders reportedly fetching Tk2,500 taka. While a few shops are offering LPG close to the BERC-determined price, most are still charging double, raising questions over why low-priced sales by some traders are not more widespread.
Local campaigns have also emerged on Facebook urging consumers not to buy LPG at excessive prices. One group called on members on Tuesday to report overpricing to the consumer rights hotline.
Experts say controlling LPG prices remains challenging and they stress the need for social awareness. “Since the government has set the price, and LPG operators say cylinders are being sold at higher retail prices, social resistance is necessary,” a source said. “If someone sells LPG at a higher price, the matter should be reported to the relevant authorities for effective action.”
A money receipt from Muktijoddha Enterprise in Badda circulated on social media, showing a 12-kg cylinder sold for Tk1,350 on Monday. Customer Ifrat Hossain told this reporter that she purchased the cylinder for the stated price. “On Monday night, I went out and spent about an hour moving around several areas before finally getting gas at a fair price,” Ifrat said. Attempts to contact the numbers listed on the receipt were unsuccessful.
Most surrounding shops, however, have kept their doors closed due to fear of the drives, although some offer delivery at higher prices if called.
When this reporter posed as a customer, several shops reported that a 12-kg cylinder now costs Tk2,500. When asked whether it could be sold slightly cheaper, the calls were ended without a response.
A shopkeeper at Taqwa Enterprise on Madhubazar Road, West Dhanmondi, said: “I have no gas at the moment. We’ve sent someone to bring it. If received, we can sell.” He said that until Monday, prices were Tk2,400–2,500 and that on Tuesday they remain similar. When asked why prices are so high, he said, “There is no gas. What can we do?”
A shop on Road 12, C Block, Banasree, also confirmed the 12-kg cylinder price at TK2,500 and said no discounts were possible.
Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan told Dhaka Tribune: “The government is trying in every way. Drives have been increased, and many fines have been imposed. We just need to give it a little time. Any work takes time.”
Meanwhile, Humayun Rashid, vice president of the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) and managing director of Energypac, said: “From a policy perspective, we can’t do anything. The drives must be run by the government. We’ve already informed the government that full cooperation will be provided.
“Dealers are not getting gas, and opportunists are taking extra money. We cannot go house to house to conduct drives or inspections. We are trying from our side to overcome the LPG shortage. Arrangements are being made to import LPG from different countries. Some time is needed, but we hope this crisis will end soon.”
