Can not guarantee consumers will be able to buy LPG at govt price: BERC Chairman

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Chairman Jalal Ahmed said the commission cannot ensure that consumers will be able to purchase LPG at government-fixed prices, citing ongoing supply chain challenges.

Speaking at a press conference following the announcement of revised LPG rates on Sunday (January 4), Jalal Ahmed said a meeting was underway at the Secretariat with representatives of the LPG Association to address allegations of distributors charging above the regulated price.

“The commission sets the price based on all costs incurred by importing companies. While the association claims it is supplying at the fixed rate, guaranteeing that consumers will always pay that price is difficult,” he said.

Ahmed added that BERC has coordinated with the Department of Consumer Rights Protection to step up market monitoring and take action against any company found overcharging.

On shipping constraints, he noted that vessel shortages from the Middle East are affecting imports, and companies have been advised to increase shipments from Singapore. He also highlighted delays in opening letters of credit (LCs) as a factor in late deliveries, assuring that the government will take high-level measures where needed to resolve such issues.