Supply crunch drives LPG prices up in Manikganj

MANIKGANJ, Jan 3: An artificial crisis has gripped the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market across Manikganj town, where gas cylinders are being sold at prices nearly one and a half times higher than the rates fixed by the government.
Consumers allege that the shortage is not a natural occurrence but rather deliberately created, as demand remains unchanged while supply has suddenly declined.
Despite the situation, no effective monitoring by the district administration or the Department of National Consumer Rights Protection has been observed. The absence of mobile courts and regular market inspections has allowed dealers and retailers to act with impunity.
On Saturday (January 3), visits to key areas including Dudh Bazar, Gangadharpatty, Banagram, Beutha and the Bus Stand revealed widespread price manipulation. Angry consumers claimed that a powerful syndicate is controlling supply and inflating prices, forcing people to buy LPG at exorbitant rates.
According to a notification issued by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) on December 2 last year, the retail prices of LPG cylinders were fixed as follows: 12 kg-Tk 1,253; 12.5 kg-Tk 1,305; 15 kg-Tk 1,566; 18 kg -Tk 1,880; 22 kg-Tk 2,298; 30 kg-Tk 3,133.
The notification clearly states that no LPG gas can be sold at prices higher than the fixed rates until further notice. However, in reality, these directives are being openly ignored in Manikganj.
Market visits revealed that LPG cylinders of popular brands, such as Unigas (Unitex Group), Bashundhara LPG, Beximco LPG, and Omera LPG, have remained unavailable for nearly a week. As a result, pressure has increased on limited supplies of Fresh, Petromax and iGas cylinders, which are being sold at inflated prices.
Although Manikganj town has Titas Gas connections, the gas supply remains unavailable. Consequently, most households depend entirely on LPG. Locals allege that this dependency is being exploited to create an artificial crisis and hike prices.
Residents expressed frustration over the lack of visible action by the authorities. "We do not know exactly who is creating this crisis, but when government agencies remain inactive, the problem only worsens," one consumer said.
Tofazzal Hossain, a resident of West Dashora, said he regularly purchases a 22 kg LPG cylinder for household cooking. "The official price is Tk 2,300, but I was charged Tk 3,500 for a Beximco cylinder. How can ordinary people survive like this? This is happening because dealers are not being properly monitored," he said.
Shabnam Islam, a housewife from the Beutha area, said, "Even though there is a Titas Gas line, gas is unavailable. Earlier, gas used to come once or twice a week for a short time, but now it does not come at all. Today, I was asked to pay Tk 500 extra for an LPG cylinder. What choice do we have?"
Anwar Hossain of East Dashora alleged that retailers refuse to provide cash memos. "They say, 'Take it or leave it.' One seller even warned that prices may rise further tomorrow. Without administrative oversight, our suffering will only increase," he said.
Another consumer, Kamal Hasan, said, "Everyone except consumers is making profits in this crisis. Big brands are unavailable, but home delivery sellers still have stock. They are selling cylinders bought earlier at much higher prices. Some retailers also have warehouses and are hoarding cylinders for extra profit."
Retailer Sujan of Bismillah Traders said, "We have not received Unigas, Bashundhara, Omera or Beximco cylinders for about a week. The few available brands are supplied in very limited quantities and at higher prices. Company representatives are not giving any clear information about when the situation will normalise."
Md. Babul Hossain, owner of M Babul Traders, said sales have dropped significantly. "Earlier, I sold around 20 cylinders a day. Now it is only 12 or 13. Many customers leave after hearing the price. Dealers say companies are facing shortages of liquid gas. Even when we call dealers, they often do not answer. We are helpless too," he added.
Asaduzzaman Rumel, Assistant Director (Additional Charge) of the District Consumer Rights Protection Department, said selling products without a cash memo is illegal. "The issue will be investigated. Legal action will be taken if evidence of overpricing is found," he said.
Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Najmun Ara Sultana said, "There is no scope to sell LPG gas at prices higher than those fixed by the government." She added that drives will be conducted at dealer points and retail markets very soon.
Consumers have demanded immediate market monitoring, mobile court operations and normalization of supply by LPG companies. Otherwise, they fear the crisis may take a more severe turn.
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