Second LPG hike in weeks

Consumers are set to face higher cooking gas costs as the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) on Sunday increased liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices for the second time in less than three weeks.The revised rates will take effect from 6:00pm.

Under the latest adjustment, LPG prices have risen by Tk17.62 per kg, increasing the price of a 12kg cylinder by Tk212—from Tk1,728 to Tk1,940. However, LPG supplied by state-owned companies remains unchanged, with a 12.5kg cylinder continuing to retail at Tk825.

The price of autogas, used as a vehicle fuel, has also been increased to Tk89.50 per litre, up from Tk79.77.

Earlier, on 2 April, BERC raised LPG prices by Tk32.30 per kg. Just a month ago, a 12kg cylinder was priced at Tk1,341, indicating an overall increase of nearly Tk600 within a short period.

The latest adjustment follows a government decision a day earlier to raise retail fuel prices, citing volatility in global oil markets.

According to BERC, the new LPG rate has been set at Tk161.66 per kg, with prices of cylinders of various sizes adjusted accordingly.

The increase has largely been attributed to higher shipping costs linked to ongoing global conflicts, which have driven up freight charges.

Although BERC revises LPG prices on a monthly basis, consumers have frequently alleged that cylinders—particularly the widely used 12kg units—are often sold above the ?????-????????? rates in the market.

Since April 2021, LPG pricing in Bangladesh has been based on international benchmarks. Key components such as propane and butane are imported, with their monthly prices determined by Saudi Aramco under the Saudi Contract Price (CP).

BERC calculates local LPG prices using this benchmark, along with exchange rates derived from importers’ monthly invoices.