LPG supply, prices under watch

The government has stepped up monitoring of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market, directing district administrations to investigate reports of supply shortages and determine whether the fuel is being deliberately withheld to push up prices.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood issued the instruction during an online meeting with deputy commissioners (DCs) at the Secretariat on Wednesday, asking them to closely monitor LPG supplies and retail prices in their respective districts.

The minister said there was no overall shortage of LPG in the country, but artificial shortages could be being created in some areas to sell the fuel to consumers at prices above the rate fixed by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).

He instructed the DCs to submit reports containing information and evidence on why shortages were being reported despite adequate supply and whether consumers were being charged more than the BERC-fixed price.

The government will hold discussions with importers and other stakeholders after receiving the reports from the district administrations and take necessary measures, Mahmood said.

He also said steps would be taken to increase LPG supplies in areas where shortages are confirmed.

The minister warned that action would be taken against anyone found deliberately creating artificial shortages or charging consumers above the BERC-approved price.

District administrations were also instructed to remain vigilant and maintain close oversight of LPG distribution to ensure adequate supplies and normal market conditions across the country.

The move comes amid concerns over LPG availability and retail prices in some areas, with the government seeking to ensure that adequate supplies reach consumers and that the regulated price is properly observed.