Dhaka, March 5, 2026 (EP) - The LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) has assured the Energy Minister that no major shortage of LPG is expected in the market during March.
According to the association, about 30,000 tonnes of LPG have already been imported in March at the government-set price based on the Saudi Contract Price (Saudi CP). However, more than 100,000 tonnes of LPG shipments are currently stuck at different stages of supply due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In February, Bangladesh received around 156,000 tonnes of LPG, and the market generally remains stable if 150,000–160,000 tonnes are supplied monthly. But the ongoing conflict has disrupted shipping routes, with more than 200 vessels reportedly stranded at various points in the region. Supplies may resume once transportation through the Strait of Hormuz returns to normal.
Currently, LPG cargoes priced at Saudi CP are not readily available in the international market. These details were presented by Humayun Rashid, Vice President of LOAB.
The information was shared during LOAB’s first meeting with Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmood on Thursday at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. Also present at the meeting were State Minister for Energy Anindya Islam Amit, Energy Division Secretary Saiful Islam, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Jalal Ahmed and Chairman of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) Rezanur Rahman.
LOAB also warned that panic buying has started in the market due to fears of supply disruption. If this trend continues, it could create an artificial shortage. The association therefore requested the government to strengthen market monitoring.
Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmood urged LPG businesses to cooperate during the current global crisis.
“Profit is not always possible. In this difficult time, I urge businesses to maintain supply even without profit if necessary,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that companies are facing financial pressure but noted that most operators are still selling LPG at the government-fixed price. However, he pointed out that price irregularities are occurring mainly at the dealer and retail levels, where LPG cylinders are sometimes sold above the regulated price.
He added that ensuring steady supply in the market is the responsibility of the operators, and the ministry will provide all necessary support to maintain stability.
LOAB also requested the government to review LPG prices quickly, noting that operators are currently unable to procure LPG at the Saudi CP benchmark in the global market. To maintain supply, companies are attempting to purchase LPG from the spot market at higher prices, which increases costs.
The association urged the government to consider these market realities while reviewing LPG pricing.
