“Energy Adviser Takes Initiative to Curb Gas Price Manipulation”

The Bangladeshi government has launched stringent action against those responsible for artificially inflating liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan has confirmed. Retailers and wholesalers involved in the manipulation are being targeted through a coordinated campaign involving mobile courts, police supervision, and local administration.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting of the Government Procurement and Economic Advisory Committee at the Secretariat on Tuesday, 6 January, Mr Khan said, “Certain traders anticipated a price hike in LPG—following the recent adjustment by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) of 53 taka per 12 kg cylinder—and some attempted to exploit the situation. We have instructed the Cabinet Secretary to ensure mobile courts are deployed in every district to address these violations.”

He added that abnormal price fluctuations were deliberately orchestrated and that government measures were being implemented through law enforcement and district administrations. When asked who was responsible, Mr Khan said, “It is primarily retail and wholesale traders acting in concert.”

Mobile courts have already begun operations to reopen shops and fine offenders. “Many have already been penalised,” he said, adding that the approach operates on three fronts: local administration, police, and the Department of Consumer Rights Protection. Reports indicate substantial fines have been levied against violators.

Mr Khan stressed that the government is committed to restoring normal LPG pricing and supply. “We are deploying teams to monitor the situation in Dhaka and Chittagong, and the temporary price surge is expected to decline gradually,” he said. He also noted minor logistical challenges due to shipping restrictions, but assured that current supplies remain unaffected.

The adviser emphasised that 98% of cylinder gas is imported by private companies, with the government and Eastern Refinery supplying only about 2%. Despite this, artificial shortages have caused severe distress across the country, particularly during the cold winter months. LPG bottles have been sold at premiums ranging from 150 to 750 taka above the regulated price, affecting households, hotels, restaurants, and small industries.

Several districts have already seen mobile court interventions and fines:

The LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) has acknowledged temporary supply disruptions due to increased shipping costs and higher European fuel demand, but stressed that stock levels remain satisfactory. The association has urged authorities to take immediate action against retailers selling above government-fixed prices.

The government maintains that there is no genuine shortage of LPG, attributing the recent crisis to artificial market manipulation. Steps have been taken to simplify import procedures, reduce VAT, and enhance oversight, ensuring that both the winter supply and pricing stabilise for consumers nationwide.