Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Sunday expressed deep concern over the increase in the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) amid rising prices of essential commodities in the country.
In a statement, the party’s Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said, “People are already struggling due to the rising prices of daily necessities. At this time, increasing the prices of LPG and autogas used by households and vehicles has added further financial pressure on consumers, which is very worrying. I condemn such an anti-people decision of the government.”
He said the government has increased the prices of oil, gas and electricity in phases, which has led to a continuous rise in the prices of various essential goods.
“Although the incomes of people from different sections, including lower- and middle-income groups, have not increased, their expenses have continued to rise, disrupting normal life,” he said, urging the government to immediately withdraw the increased gas prices.
Parwar said the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) on Sunday increased the consumer-level price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder, widely used for household purposes, by Tk 70.
Following the hike, the price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder has been fixed at Tk 1,598, up from Tk 1,528. The price of autogas has also increased to Tk 73.67 per liter, he added.
The Jamaat leader warned that the LPG price hike could affect all sectors, including production, and urged the government to take necessary steps to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet the country’s demand.
He also called for withdrawing the increased LPG price and restoring relief for consumers.