PNN News Desk | Dhaka

LPG distributors have announced that they will suspend sales of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) across the country on October 15 and 16, demanding that prices be determined through the regulatory commission, harassment by law enforcement agencies be stopped, and unused gas cylinders be returned to circulation. They have warned that if their demands are not met within the stipulated period, the suspension could continue indefinitely.

Selim Khan, president of the LPG Gas Traders Cooperative Association, announced the programme at a press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday (October 12).

Selim Khan said that if their demands were not implemented after the two-day suspension, LPG sales would be halted nationwide for an indefinite period.

One of the traders’ main demands is that companies comply with the monthly LPG prices set by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC). They called for effective measures to prevent companies from changing prices at their own discretion beyond the rates fixed by the commission. The distributors also demanded that any necessary price adjustments be made through BERC.

They also called for arrangements to make the large number of unused LPG cylinders lying in the market suitable for reuse and return them to circulation. According to the traders, some companies have ceased operations, while others are unable to open letters of credit (LCs) to import LPG. As a result, many cylinders remain unusable in the market.

Selim Khan claimed that only six to seven companies are currently active, leaving several hundred thousand gas cylinders unused across the country.

He proposed that the government or LPG companies refill these cylinders and supply them to dealers. The traders believe this would increase market supply and enable consumers to purchase LPG at fair prices.

Meanwhile, participants at the press conference accused the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and executive magistrates of imposing unreasonable fines and harassing traders. They called on the relevant authorities to intervene and stop such practices.

Selim Khan also said that BERC’s chairman had contacted him during the press conference. According to Khan, the chairman said the traders’ demands were being reviewed and assured them that necessary steps would be taken soon.

However, the commission has not yet provided details of any decision regarding the traders’ demands ahead of the announced suspension.