LPG shortage: Price hike hit in Kishoreganj
Sr. Staff Reporter :
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders are not being sold at government -fixed rate in Kishoreganj. A 12- kg LPG cylinder sold, far above the government -set rate.
Dealers claim that, the government has increased gas prices, and that supply from LPG companies is insufficient compared to demand. They also cite increased transportation costs as a reason for the price hike and market shortage.
On january, 04. Bangladesh Energy Regularly Commission (BERC) fixed the price of a widely was 12 -kg LPG cylinder at tk. 1306for January, including dealer and retailer profits.
In Kishoreganj town, gas cylinders worth tk. 1,306 are not available. This has caused extreme suffering to customers.
Three weeks ago, each cylinder of LP gas was sold in Bhairab port town for Tk 1250 to Tk 1350. Dealers say they are not selling any gas at an increased price. Sub-dealers or retail shops are selling the stored gas at an increased price.
According to the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) in Kishoreganj, LPG is used by around 3 lakh families and approximate 5000 hotels, restaurants and tea stall across the 13 upazilas,and eight municipalities of Kishoreganj. The sudden and abnormal price hike has put users in serious trouble.
It was found that homeowners and restaurant owners in Kishorganj are visiting dealers’ shops to buy gas for cooking, but all the local dealer owners say that the company has not been supplying them with LP gas for the last two weeks.
Their stock is now empty. Again, there are allegations that retail LP gas sellers are secretly storing LP gas in their warehouses and selling each cylinder for Tk 2,000 to Tk 2,200.
Kajal Ghosh , owner of Noni -Gopal sweet shops said, “My sweet shops needs 8 cylinders of gas every two weeks. Two weeks ago, I used to buy each LP gas at 1350 taka, but now I have to buy it at an additional price of tk. 2000/2200 taka.”
Abdur Rahman a house owner said, “I am a low-income person and use LP gas at home. I have not been able to get gas in the market for three weeks and cooking is about to stop.” Jamir Hossain, who came from the village, is disappointed that he has not been able to find a gas cylinder anywhere.
A small businessman named Abul Hossain said, “I bought a cylinder for tk. 2,000 from a shopkeeper with an extra tk. 650. The condition was that the extra money could not be mentioned” CAB, Kishoreganj president Alam Sarowar Tito told the New Nation that, Even if there is a shortage LPG cylinder is still available at higher prices. Selling at inflated prices is a punishable offence by law, yet BRRC is Falling to ensure punishment, CAB added.