A sharp drop in domestic gas production and instability in the LPG market have left ordinary households struggling with gas supply at the very start of Ramadan. Many residents are facing difficulty preparing iftar and sehri after fasting all day due to gas shortages on stoves.
The previous interim government had assured the public that the LPG market would be stabilized before Ramadan, but the promises have yet to materialize. The new government, which took office just as Ramadan began, also pledged to address electricity and gas shortages during iftar and sehri, but consumers report seeing no tangible impact so far.
The LPG market, unstable since January, remains volatile, while pipeline gas supply has not increased. As a result, household gas shortages have reached a critical level, forcing people to observe fasting amid mounting hardship.
High prices fuels consumer frustration
Although LPG supply has risen slightly compared to last month, prices remain out of reach for many. According to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder should cost Tk1,356, but in the market, it is selling for Tk 1,700 to Tk 1,900.
Imon Rahat, a consumer who bought LPG two days ago, said a cylinder purchased for Tk 2,400 last month is now available for Tk1,900, still far above the government price.
Rajabazar resident Nitu Chowdhury expressed her frustration, saying, “The gas problem started even before Ramadan. We tried to solve it with LPG, but now there is no gas on the stove, and LPG prices are sky-high. I was forced to buy an electric stove. Now I will have to pay the gas bill and an extra electricity bill as well.”
Supply challenges remain
Saidul Hasan, director of Operations at Titas Gas, told Dhaka Tribune: “We have been receiving more gas than last week, but due to Ramadan, demand is very high. This supply is not enough to meet it completely.”
According to Petrobangla, daily gas demand in the country is 4,000 million cubic feet, while supply stands at just 2,664 million cubic feet. Of this, 952 million cubic feet comes from LNG imports and 1,692 million cubic feet from domestic mines. Officials say that without a new terminal, even increasing imports cannot boost pipeline supply.
Dealers cite rising demand
An LPG dealer in Kathalbagan said demand has been high since before Ramadan, but low supply has driven prices upward. “During Ramadan afternoons, at iftar time, most places have no gas. Many are buying LPG as an alternative, which is creating more problems.” He added that a 12-kilogram cylinder is currently selling for TK 1,700 and that supply may increase by the end of the month, potentially easing prices.
Optimism from industry officials
Humayun Rashid, vice president of the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB), offered some hope for relief. “So far, 91,000 metric tons of LPG have arrived in the country. Another 20,000 to 25,000 tons will enter this month. We expect the supply system to normalize at the beginning of next month, and prices should come down,” he told Dhaka Tribune.