LPG Shortage Hits Dhaka, Prices Surge Sharply

For over a week, the capital city of Dhaka has been grappling with a severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, essential for household cooking. Despite strong demand at the consumer level, retail outlets across various neighbourhoods are running dry, forcing residents to search from shop to shop in vain. In areas where cylinders are available, buyers are compelled to pay between 700 and 800 Taka above the government-regulated price. Consequently, many households have had no choice but to purchase meals from hotels, adding extra financial strain.

On Saturday, visits to Mirpur and Mohammadpur revealed the scale of residents’ difficulties. Speaking to Prothom Alo at around 10 a.m., Monir Mia, caretaker of 127, 5th Road, Kalshi Residential Area, explained that a tenant on the seventh floor had run out of gas that morning. “I contacted three regular suppliers, but none had cylinders in stock,” he said. “Without gas, I had to arrange breakfast from a nearby hotel for the tenant. No shop offered a cylinder even at a higher price.”

Hassan Mahmud, owner of Binimoy Traders supplying parts of Mirpur 11 and 12, reported, “We distribute LPG cylinders from Bosundhara, Unigas, Petro, and Sena, but dealers haven’t supplied anything for almost ten days.” He added that his usual daily sales of 15–20 cylinders have dropped to zero. “Yesterday, I managed to get three cylinders from larger suppliers and sold them at 2,000 Taka each, with customer consent. Today, I have refrained from selling at inflated prices as dealers provide no receipts, and customers question the higher charges.”

Spark Energy Solution, a wholesale supplier for Mirpur sectors 10–12, confirmed that normal deliveries have been disrupted for almost two weeks. Whereas a shipment once included 150–200 cylinders of 12kg and 35kg sizes, current supplies for similar orders amount to just 15–20 cylinders. The reason cited is simply a lack of stock. Even the few cylinders available are reportedly sold at higher rates by manufacturers.

Similar shortages are evident in Shewrapara. Local resident Ahmed Sajib recounted purchasing a cylinder for 2,000 Taka after failing to find one in several shops. Another resident, Nirab Khan, described borrowing a cylinder from a relative after his supply ran out during cooking. Mohammadpur residents also report empty shelves and delays in preparing meals due to the scarcity.

The government-regulated price for a 12kg household LPG cylinder is 1,253 Taka, with no legal allowance for overcharging. Yet consumers report price hikes exploiting the ongoing shortage.

Snapshot of Current LPG Situation in Dhaka

Consumers are encouraged to report grievances to the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate via the 24/7 hotline 16121 or online at www.dncrp.com.