Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) traders suspended LPG cylinder supply and sales from Thursday across the country, citing unresolved demands and what they describe as mismanagement in the sector.
The LPG Traders Cooperative Society Limited announced the decision on Wednesday evening through a notice issued to distributors and retailers across the country. The notice said LPG lifting from plants of all companies would also remain suspended until their demands are met.
Earlier, the traders had warned of such action if the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) failed to announce a fresh price adjustment within 24 hours.
The ultimatum was issued on Wednesday from a human chain organised in front of the Jatiya Press Club to protest the ongoing crisis in the LPG sector.
Addressing the programme, the society's president, Selim Khan, said the country is facing a severe LPG crisis. He alleged that BERC has fixed new prices without consulting distributors, creating difficulties for companies, distributors, and consumers.
"Instead of resolving the crisis, unnecessary controversy is being created over pricing. Raids by the inexperienced Consumer Rights Protection Directorate have further panicked the market and forced many traders to shut down," he said.
Selim Khan also criticised the existing pricing mechanism, noting that although BERC announces LPG prices on a monthly basis, companies adjust prices multiple times, leaving distributors to shoulder the losses.
He demanded the formation of a permanent committee to address sectoral issues and an increase in commissions for distributors and retailers.
According to the organisation, although there are around 55 million LPG cylinders in the country, only about 12.5 million are currently being refilled, resulting in a supply shortfall of nearly 60% against demand.
Rising operational costs and the closure of several companies have pushed distributors to the brink of bankruptcy, Selim Khan said.
The traders urged the government to intervene, calling for subsidies for inactive cylinders and steps to ensure an uninterrupted gas supply.
Leaders and members of the LPG Traders Cooperative Society Limited, along with general traders, participated in the human chain.
