LPG cylinder price should be below Tk 1,000: Adviser

Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Mohammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has stressed the need to bring down the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder below Tk 1,000, citing the price control is crucial to address Bangladesh’s short-term energy crisis.

Speaking as chief guest at a policy conclave titled "LPG in Bangladesh: Economy, Environment & Safety", held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on Saturday (October 11), he stated that the current price of over Tk 1,200 per cylinder is unaffordable for both households and industries, adding, “The price should be below Tk 1,000.”

He noted that in many areas, cylinders are being sold at Tk 1,400–1,500, and stressed the need for strict price control, better logistics, and responsible behaviour from the private sector.

“Without responsible business conduct, energy security cannot be achieved,” he added.

He blamed the current fuel crisis on policy failures, stating, “This is not a natural shortage. It's the result of deliberate actions by certain political and business interests.”

"Industrial and household gas demands were ignored in planning, leading to illegal connections," he clarified.

Highlighting the decline in local gas production—down 200 million cubic feet annually—he pointed out that only 70 million cubic feet of new gas is being added. Although importing LNG is a costly solution, it remains necessary. In the short term, LPG is a more viable alternative, he added.

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan attended the event as special guest, while BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed was present as guest of honour.