Traders threaten indefinite nationwide shutdown if demands remain unmet after 15–16 October closure.
TBS Report
12 October, 2026, 03:50 pm
Last modified: 12 October, 2026, 04:16 pm
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distributors have announced a two-day nationwide shutdown of LPG shops on 15 and 16 October, demanding a revision of distributors' commissions, an end to alleged harassment by law enforcement agencies and measures to bring idle cylinders back into circulation.
Selim Khan, president of the LPG Gas Traders Cooperative Association, announced the programme at a press conference at the National Press Club in Dhaka today (12 October).
He warned that traders would call an indefinite nationwide shutdown if their demands were not met after the two-day closure.
The distributors also demanded that LPG companies stop changing prices after the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announces its monthly rates. They said any subsequent price adjustments should be made through the regulator.
The association called for measures to bring thousands of unused LPG cylinders back into circulation, saying many 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 or LPG companies to refill the idle cylinders and distribute them through dealers to ensure supplies to consumers at fair prices.
The traders also protested what they described as unjustified fines and harassment by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and executive magistrates.
Selim said the BERC chairman had contacted him during the press conference, informing him that the commission was examining the traders' demands and would take steps soon.