The strike called by traders of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has been withdrawn. The decision was announced on Thursday (January 8) following a meeting with the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), Chairman Jalal Ahmed said.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Ahmed said not all of the traders’ demands fall under BERC’s jurisdiction. However, he said the commission agreed in principle with demands related to commissions, describing them as reasonable. He said assurances had been given to address the issue, while the remaining demands would be discussed with the government.
The traders’ association has demanded an increase in distributor commission from Tk50 to Tk80 and retailer commission from Tk45 to Tk70, raising the total commission to Tk150.
Among other demands, the association alleged that BERC fixed LPG prices during the crisis without consultations with distributors, causing disruption across the supply chain. It also criticized raids by the Consumer Rights Directorate, claiming they created panic and forced some traders to suspend operations.
The association said better coordination among the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, BERC and LPG companies was needed to resolve import-related problems and ensure supply. It also called for a permanent committee comprising representatives from the energy ministry, BERC, the LPG Owners Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) and distributors.
According to the association, around 55 million LPG cylinders from about 27 companies are marketed in Bangladesh, but only 12.5 million are currently being refilled. It claimed that around 60 percent of demand remains unmet, with distributors bearing more than 40 percent of overall costs, contributing to price hikes.
The association also said distributors of companies that have shut down operations are unable to refill cylinders and are facing bankruptcy, and demanded government subsidies for inactive cylinders.
The traders had announced a nationwide suspension of LPG cylinder supply and sales on Wednesday night following raids and fines. Earlier that day, they issued a 24-hour ultimatum, placing six demands, including a commission hike and an end to what they described as unilateral price declarations by BERC.
