LPG cylinder sales suspended nationwide

Sales and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders have been suspended across the country from Thursday following an announcement by the LPG Traders’ Cooperative Association.

The association said that the suspension would remain in effect until its demands are addressed, including a revision of LPG prices and an end to what it described as harassment of distributors through enforcement actions.

A formal notice was issued to distributors and retailers on Wednesday night, instructing them to stop lifting LPG cylinders from all company plants nationwide, the association added.

Earlier on Wednesday, the traders outlined their demands at a press briefing outside the National Press Club, warning that sales would be stopped if authorities failed to respond within 24 hours. Later that evening, the association confirmed the suspension.

Traders have called on the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to reconsider its latest LPG price adjustment and to withdraw fines and administrative measures imposed on distributors. They argue that such actions have worsened the crisis in the sector rather than resolving supply shortages.

According to the association, the country currently has around 55 million LPG cylinders in circulation under 27 companies, but only about 12.5 million are being refilled, leaving more than 42 million cylinders unused.

President of the LPG Traders’ Cooperative Association Selim Khan said that LPG cylinder sales would remain halted from Thursday morning.

BERC revises LPG prices every month, with the latest adjustment announced on 4 January. However, the traders’ association claims the latest pricing decision was taken without consulting distributors.

In a written statement, the association said authorities should have focused on addressing import challenges through coordinated efforts involving the Energy Division, BERC and LPG companies. Instead, it alleged that enforcement drives in the name of consumer protection have created fear among traders, forcing many to shut down operations.

The traders are also seeking higher commissions, demanding an increase in distributor margins from Tk50 to Tk80 and retailer margins from Tk45 to Tk75.