Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders are not being sold at government-fixed rate in Gopalganj. A 12-kg LPG cylinder is being sold at prices ranging from Tk 1,500 to Tk 1,800, far above the government-set rate.
Dealers claim that the government has increased gas prices and that supply from LPG companies is insufficient compared to demand. They also cite increased transportation costs as a reason for the price hike and market shortage.
Consumers, however, allege that dealers and retailers are creating an artificial crisis to sell LPG at higher prices. Many report that gas is often unavailable at dealer or retail outlets, forcing them to pay Tk 200 to Tk 500 extra per cylinder.
As a result, household expenses have increased significantly, and some people are considering switching back to wood-fired stoves.
According to the Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB), Gopalganj district unit, LPG is used by around 130,000 families and approximately 2,000 hotels, restaurants, and tea stalls across the district’s five upazilas. The sudden and abnormal price hike has put users in serious trouble.
On January 4, the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) fixed the price of a widely used 12-kg LPG cylinder at Tk 1,306 for January. However, the decision has had little impact on the local market.
Md Saiful Islam Osman Sikder, proprietor of Sikder Enterprise at Mandartala area of the town and a dealer of TMSS and Sena Gas, said LPG companies are not supplying gas properly.
“I usually sell 250 to 300 cylinders a day, but now companies are not even supplying 100 cylinders a week. I sent a truck to collect gas with 40–50 cylinders, which resulted in a carrying cost of Tk 140 to Tk 150 per cylinder,” he said.
He further alleged that major companies such as Bashundhara and Beximco have already stopped supplying gas, creating the current crisis. He added that supply was reduced from December 25 and the situation continues.
“Mobile courts fine us heavily if we cannot show memos, but no action is taken against companies that are not supplying gas,” he complained.
Retail gas seller Alif Sikder from Chandmari area admitted the shortage and higher prices, saying that if he orders 25 cylinders from dealers, he receives only five to seven.
“I have to buy cylinders at Tk 150 to Tk 200 more, so I sell at a higher price. I cannot meet customer demand,” he said.
Gas consumer Najmul Sardar from Bedgram area said LPG is not available at government-fixed prices. “Dealers have created an artificial shortage, and retailers are syndicating to sell cylinders at Tk 1,500 to Tk 1,800. This has increased our living costs,” he said, demanding mobile court action.
Hotel owner Azizul Islam from Mandartala said the increased gas prices have raised operating costs and reduced profits. “We are planning to use wood-fired stoves again and are now trying to buy firewood instead of gas,” he said.
Another consumer, Sourav Biswas from Mohammadpara area, said LPG has virtually disappeared from the market along with the price hike. “Most retailers have no gas. Those who have it are charging whatever they want,” he alleged.
CAB Gopalganj district president Md Mozaharul Islam Bablu said the government fixed the price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder at Tk 1,306 for January, including dealer and retailer profits.
“But cylinders are being sold at Tk 1,400 to Tk 1,500, and in some cases at arbitrary prices. We have started working with the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection to control the market,” he said.
Assistant Director of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection in Gopalganj, Syeda Tamanna Tasnim, admitted that LPG is being sold at inflated prices. She said drives are underway, and a gas dealer named Nipun Technology was fined Tk 15,000 after a large discrepancy was found between purchase and selling prices. “Our drives will continue until the LPG market comes under control,” she added.
