Strict directives to sell LPG at government-set prices
Collected Photo
The LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) has issued a strict directive to sell LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders at the government-fixed price.
The organization itself has said there is no shortage in the country's LPG supply. It has warned that if anyone charges extra or illegally builds up stockpiles despite adequate supply, strict action will be taken against those involved under existing laws.
LOAB President Mohammad Amirul Haque announced the directive today, Thursday.
This strict directive came at a time when there is an extreme crisis of cylinder gas or LPG at the retail level. The government has fixed the price of a 12 kg LPG cylinder at Tk 1,585. In the retail market, it is being sold for Tk 2,100 to Tk 2,200.
In a statement, it was said that at an exchange meeting held on September 28 in the conference room of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, the country's LPG supply and price situation was discussed in detail.
It was informed at the meeting that the current volume of LPG imports in the country is quite satisfactory. In August, 158,000 metric tons and in September, 156,000 metric tons of LPG were imported into the country, which is adequate compared to demand. As a result, there is no opportunity to create an artificial crisis in the market.
LOAB said that if any operator, distributor, dealer, or retailer sells LPG at a price higher than the government-fixed price or stockpiles it irregularly despite adequate supply, it will be considered a clear violation of the law. At an online meeting held on September 30, the minister gave strict instructions to deputy commissioners (DCs) to monitor the market to strengthen oversight of the commerce and energy sectors.
The organization also promised to continue round-the-clock cooperation with administrative authorities and law enforcement agencies to protect the rights of general consumers and keep the market stable.
