Gas Distributors Fined for Price Gouging in Manikganj

In a robust crackdown on unethical trade practices, the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has penalised two LPG distributors in Manikganj for orchestrating an artificial gas crisis to inflate prices. The operation, which took place on Monday, 5 January, targeted suppliers who had been exploiting local households by charging significantly more than the government-mandated rates for bottled liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Following a series of complaints from frustrated residents, the regulatory body intervened to address the persistent irregularities that have plagued the local energy market.

The enforcement drive was conducted between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm in the Beotha area of the district town. Led by Asaduzzaman Rumel, the Assistant Director (additional charge) of the DNCRP in Manikganj, the team uncovered systemic violations of consumer protection laws. Specifically, the distributors were found to be selling cylinders without displaying a visible price list and, in many instances, were failing to provide customers with official purchase receipts. This lack of transparency allowed the traders to demand exorbitant sums from consumers who were misled into believing there was a genuine nationwide shortage.

During the raid, two prominent business entities were held accountable for their actions. M/S Millennium Traders was handed a substantial fine of 100,000 BDT, while M/S Raiyan Traders was ordered to pay 50,000 BDT for similar offences. The presence of the District President of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), Shamsunnabi Tulip, alongside law enforcement personnel, underscored the high level of coordination behind this effort to restore market integrity.

Details of Penalties and Compliance Violations

Following the operation, Asaduzzaman Rumel issued a stern warning to other market players, asserting that selling LPG above the state-set price is a punishable offence. He emphasised that “artificial scarcities” provide no legal grounds for predatory pricing and promised that such “combing operations” would continue throughout the district to ensure fair play. The DNCRP has urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any instances of price manipulation, reaffirming the state’s commitment to protecting public interests against unscrupulous commercial exploitation.