The government will launch mobile court operations to stop the sale of LPG cylinders at inflated prices, said Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Adviser for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources.
Speaking at a policy conclave titled “LPG in Bangladesh: Economy, Environment, and Safety” held at a Dhaka hotel on Saturday, Fauzul Kabir Khan said, “A 1,200 Taka LPG cylinder is being sold at 1,400 Taka. Such irresponsible business practices cannot continue. The price of a 12-kg cylinder should be below 1,000 Taka.” He emphasized that business operators must act responsibly and avoid excessive profiteering or transferring wealth abroad.
The conclave, organized by Dainik Banik Barta, focused on building a sustainable LPG economy, strengthening safety, and mitigating environmental impacts.
The energy adviser also blamed some politicians and their affiliated business actors for creating the current energy crisis, stating that excessive power plants have been built and numerous illegal gas connections issued, which have contributed to rising LPG prices in the country.
Fauzul Kabir Khan added that energy exploration activities have been ramped up, and a new rig is being purchased for Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX). However, progress remains unsatisfactory, leading to higher-cost LNG imports. To increase LNG conversion capacity, new FSRU units are being installed.
Responding to these remarks, BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moin Khan said that political leaders or business actors should not be blamed for the energy shortage. “Gas deficits are increasing daily. Planning must start now to address the shortfall. The primary goal is to ensure energy reaches citizens efficiently,” he said.
Jalal Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), noted that to reach developed country standards, per capita energy use must increase, and LPG can play a key role. He added that LPG prices are adjusted monthly based on the US Dollar exchange rate and Saudi Aramco selling prices to ensure consumers get it at lower rates.
The conclave included policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and representatives from industry. Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal, Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defense, stated that over 1,500 fire incidents occurred in the gas sector this year, including 580 LPG-related accidents, emphasizing that training remains indispensable.
Mohammad Amirul Haque, President of the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB), said, “LPG prices are regulated by BERC, and with government policy support, businesses are managing the market. Constantly calling operators ‘looters’ discourages them from operating.”
Azam J. Chowdhury, Chairman of East Coast Group, added, “The adviser wants to sell LPG at 1,000 Taka. If importers can sell at that price with a 7% profit margin, they should do it.”
The conclave also discussed future policy frameworks, safety standards, market structures, environmental sustainability, and investment opportunities in the LPG sector.
