The LPG Traders’ Cooperative Society has issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding fulfillment of six key demands, including an increase in commission and an end to what it termed unilateral price declarations by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC). The organization has warned that if the demands are not met, it will suspend LPG supply and marketing across the country indefinitely from January 8.
The ultimatum was announced at a press conference held in front of the National Press Club on Wednesday (January 7).
Speaking at the event, Mohammad Selim Khan, President of the LPG Traders’ Cooperative Society, said Bangladesh is currently facing a severe LPG crisis. He alleged that BERC has announced new prices without any consultation with distributors, which has pushed both distributors and consumers into serious difficulty. According to him, no effective steps are being taken to resolve the ongoing crisis.
At the press conference, it was also stated that 27 companies have marketed approximately 55 million LPG cylinders nationwide, but at present, gas refilling is taking place in only about 12.5 million cylinders, which is far below actual demand. As a result of the shutdown of many companies, distributors associated with those firms are reportedly on the verge of bankruptcy.
Among the six demands, the organization called for
• An end to police harassment of LPG-carrying vehicles
• Suspension of ongoing enforcement drives by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection
• An increase in distributor commission from Tk 50 to Tk 80 per cylinder
• An increase in retailer commission from Tk 45 to Tk 70 per cylinder
Others present at the press conference included Harun Or Rashid, General Secretary, Harun Or Rashid, Vice President, Abu Taher Qureshi, Finance Secretary, and other leaders of the organization.
Over the past several days, reports have emerged of a severe LPG shortage across the country, with some unscrupulous traders allegedly exploiting the situation by charging excessive prices. Although the price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder was officially fixed at Tk 1,253 in December, it has reportedly been sold in many areas for Tk 1,500 to Tk 2,500.
The LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) has blamed retailers for price manipulation and has called for immediate and effective action against those involved in irregular pricing practices.
