The Bangladeshi government has launched decisive measures against individuals and businesses allegedly manipulating the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), officials confirmed. Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Adviser on Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, stated that both retail and wholesale traders have been artificially inflating LPG prices, prompting swift administrative action.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, 6 January, following a meeting of the Government Procurement and Economic Affairs Advisory Committee at the Secretariat, Khan said, “Those who anticipated the rise in LPG prices—following the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission’s (BERC) recent adjustment—are exploiting the situation. We have instructed the Cabinet Secretary to ensure mobile courts are deployed across districts to address this malpractice.”
He emphasised that the abnormal price hikes were deliberate, not due to supply shortages. “The law enforcement and district administrations have been mobilised. Offenders are being punished through fines and other penalties,” he added, noting that enforcement operates under three streams: district administration, police oversight, and the Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection.
Despite official assurances of adequate supply, consumers across the country have faced acute shortages. Reports indicate that households, restaurants, and small industries are forced to purchase LPG cylinders at inflated prices ranging from BDT 150 to 750 above the government-regulated rate. The LPG Importers and Distributors Association (LOAB) attributes these disparities to both import constraints and retail practices.
Khan clarified that private sector entities account for 98% of the LPG market, with state-owned Eastern Refinery contributing only a minor share. “We are monitoring import levels and ensuring that artificial scarcity does not disrupt normal supply,” he said.
Recent enforcement actions have targeted regions with severe irregularities. In Mirsarai (Chattogram), supply disruptions have forced restaurants and factories to suspend operations. In Mymensingh’s Haluaghat, a 12-kg cylinder priced at BDT 1,250 officially has been sold for up to BDT 2,000. Patuakhali has reported prices of BDT 1,450 per cylinder, while in the capital, additional charges range between BDT 500–600.
| District / Region | Official 12-kg LPG Price (BDT) | Reported Sale Price (BDT) | Enforcement Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mirsarai (Chattogram) | 1,306 | Supply halted | Mobile court deployed, monitoring ongoing |
| Haluaghat (Mymensingh) | 1,306 | 1,900–2,000 | Fines imposed on retailers |
| Baulfal (Patuakhali) | 1,306 | 1,450 | Enforcement underway |
| Bhaluka (Mymensingh) | 1,306 | Market checked | 20,000 BDT fine to Alif Gas Store |
| Khagrachhari | 1,306 | Exceeded official price | Three dealers fined 1,000 BDT each |
| Nawabganj (Naogaon) | 1,306 | Exceeded official price | 100,000 BDT fine issued |
Khan confirmed that LPG imports have increased compared to December, ensuring no genuine shortage. He added that seasonal pipeline issues during winter can affect local distribution, but overall supply remains stable. The government is also taking measures to simplify import procedures and reduce VAT to stabilise the market further.
The LOAB has appealed to authorities to ensure strict compliance with regulated pricing, citing concerns over consumer hardship and market instability. Mobile courts and administrative oversight are expected to continue until LPG prices normalise nationwide, with the government assuring that artificial scarcity and profiteering will not be tolerated.