Consumers across Bangladesh could face further difficulties in obtaining liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders as distributors have announced a two-day nationwide shutdown of LPG shops on October 15 and 16 over commission rates, alleged harassment and supply constraints.
The traders have warned of an indefinite shutdown if their demands are not met following the closure, raising concerns over LPG availability and prices for households already struggling with supply shortages and high retail costs.
Selim Khan, president of the LPG Gas Traders Cooperative Association, announced the programme at a press conference at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday.
The distributors are demanding a revision of their commissions, an end to what they describe as harassment by law enforcement agencies and measures to bring thousands of unused LPG cylinders back into circulation.
They have also called on LPG companies to stop changing prices after the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announces its monthly rates. Any subsequent price adjustments should be made through the regulator, they said.
The association said supply constraints had worsened as several companies had ceased operations, while others were unable to open letters of credit (LCs) to import LPG.
According to Selim, only six or seven companies remain active, leaving several hundred thousand cylinders unused across the country.
He urged the government and LPG companies to arrange for the idle cylinders to be refilled and distributed through dealers, saying this would help ensure supplies reach consumers at fair prices.
The traders also protested against what they described as unjustified fines and harassment by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and executive magistrates.
Selim said the association wanted the authorities to address these concerns alongside the commission issue to ensure that distributors could continue operating without disruption.
He added that the BERC chairman had contacted him during the press conference, saying the commission was examining the traders’ demands and would take steps soon.
The distributors’ warning of an indefinite shutdown has added to concerns over LPG availability, with any prolonged disruption potentially affecting households and businesses that rely on the fuel for cooking and other daily needs.