Two LPG dealers fined in Manikganj

MANIKGANJ, Jan 05: For nearly a week, the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder market in Manikganj town had been facing severe instability.
Ignoring government-fixed prices, dealers and retailers were selling LPG cylinders at arbitrary rates. In some areas, cylinders were sold at prices nearly one and a half times higher than
the official rate. Consumers alleged that although demand remained normal, supply was deliberately reduced, allowing a syndicate to control the market.
Amid this situation, The Financial Express
published a report titled "Supply crunch drives LPG prices up in Manikganj" on January 4. The report highlighted issues such as artificial supply crunch, overpricing, failure to provide sales receipts, and inadequate administrative oversight. Just a day after the report was published, the district office of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) launched an enforcement
drive, bringing relief to consumers.
Many believe the swift action by the authorities following the news report has restored some confidence in the market.
On Monday (January 5), from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, a mobile court operation was conducted in the Beutha area of Manikganj town. The drive was led by Asaduzzaman Rumel, assistant director of the DNCRP.
During the operation, two LPG dealers were fined a total of Tk 150,000 for selling LPG cylinders at prices higher than the government-fixed rates and for failing to provide sales receipts to customers.
Officials examined purchase and sales documents as well as stock records of the establishments.
Upon finding initial evidence of irregularities, on-the-spot fines were imposed.
Under Sections 40 and 45 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009, Md Selim, proprietor of M/S Millennium Traders, was fined Tk 100,000, while Shiblu, owner of M/S Rayan Traders, was fined Tk 50,000.
Md Selim claimed that LPG supply from depots had been insufficient compared to demand. "Since the last week of December, we have not been receiving regular supplies. As a result, we are forced to purchase LPG at higher prices from the depots," he said.
He further claimed that selling at higher prices was unavoidable due to increased procurement costs. However, during the drive, he failed to present any valid purchase receipts or documents supporting his claim of higher buying prices.
Speaking after the operation, DNCRP Assistant Director Asaduzzaman Rumel said, "Selling LPG at prices higher than the
government-fixed rate and failing to issue sales receipts are punishable offences under
the law. Some dishonest traders are trying to create artificial crisis of LPG to exploit consumers. We found that dealers were selling 12-kg LPG cylinders at Tk 1,500 to Tk 1,600, which were later sold in the retail market for Tk 1,700 to Tk 1,800. Considering the situation, two dealers have been fined Tk 150,000."
He added that such enforcement drives would continue regularly to maintain discipline in the LPG market.
Many consumers welcomed the operation, expressing relief over the authorities' action. However, they stressed that one-day operations are not enough. In absence of regular monitoring, they fear, artificial crisis and excessive pricing may return.
The operation was conducted with the assistance of teams from the district CAB and the district police.
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