Dhaka, October 14, 2026: The government will take strict legal action against anyone attempting to manipulate the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market, create an artificial shortage or hold consumers hostage through strikes, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood said on Wednesday.
Describing LPG as an essential commodity, the minister warned that any deliberate disruption of its supply to create a situation against public interest would invite action under the law.
He made the remarks at a press conference following a meeting with LPG operators at the conference room of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources at the Secretariat.
The minister said the global energy sector was facing significant challenges amid geopolitical conflicts, which had created uncertainty over fuel prices and supplies in many countries. Against this backdrop, the government was discussing ways with industry operators to maintain stable LPG supplies and keep prices at affordable levels.
He said the private sector played a central role in LPG imports, distribution and marketing, making consultations with operators essential to resolving market problems. The meeting reviewed business concerns, supply conditions and possible measures to stabilize the market.
According to the minister, it was the government’s third meeting with LPG operators to review the situation and identify solutions to their concerns. Another meeting with stakeholders is scheduled for October 20.
Responding to a question about the threatened strike, he said the government had clearly communicated its position to LPG Distributors. Any attempt to manipulate supply, create public hardship or use a strike to disrupt the market would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, who also addressed the press conference, said private companies were responsible for LPG supply and marketing in Bangladesh. The government adjusts LPG prices every month in line with international market movements under the pricing formula set by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).
He said LPG dealers and retailers had raised several demands and threatened to go on strike during the final two days of the current week. The meeting with operators discussed strategies to maintain stable LPG supplies for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. However, the government was not yet ready to disclose the details of those strategies.
Referring to the threatened strike at the dealer level, the commerce minister said the Essential Commodities Act, 1956, provides a legal framework for ensuring the supply of essential goods. The government would take strict action against attempts to manipulate supplies, distort the market or use threats to cause public suffering.
Millions of people depend on LPG for cooking and other daily needs, he said, warning that any disruption would directly affect ordinary consumers.
The minister said the government remained willing to address legitimate business concerns through dialogue with the relevant authorities. However, commercial disputes could not justify suspending supplies or holding consumers hostage. The government would not tolerate attempts to exploit market conditions for private interests.
Both ministers said discussions with operators and dealers would continue to protect consumer interests, resolve legitimate business concerns and prevent a potential strike from triggering further disruption in the LPG market.
