LPG prices spiral out of control in Bogura

Khokon runs a small tea shop. He somehow manages his family with the income from that shop. Economic tensions are his daily companion.

Khokon Hasan, a resident of Jahangirabad Fultala area of ​​Bogura, got into extreme trouble while buying an LP gas cylinder on Wednesday night (April 1). Despite visiting several shops, he could not buy the cylinder. The price of a 12 kg LP gas cylinder was asked for 1,900 taka. Khokon returned empty-handed, shocked to hear such a high price. 

Khokon told Views Bangladesh that he cannot afford to buy a gas cylinder at such a price. He has to cook on an earthen stove. There is no other way. 

The next day, (April 2), the official announcement of the increase in LPG prices came. This has spread new concerns among the low-income and middle-class people. On the one hand, the prices of daily necessities are increasing, while on the other hand, the increase in gas prices is creating additional pressure on their lives. In addition, there is a fuel oil crisis. 

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced the new price of LP gas on April 2. The price of a 12-kg LP gas cylinder has been increased from Tk 1,341 to Tk 1,728. 

However, there have been allegations that gas was being sold at higher prices in the market even before the announcement. Even after the announcement, gas cylinders are being sold at prices higher than the fixed price. 

The reality of such allegations has emerged on the ground.

Shahjamal Hossain, a resident of Bogra city, was looking for LP gas cylinders on Friday afternoon (April 3).

He said that the gas cylinder at home was running out. So he went out to buy it. He visited three shops and got one. However, the price asked was Tk 1,900. That is why he did not take it anymore. He is hoping that if the price comes down, he will buy gas cylinders.

Consumers say that for the past three months, they have been having to buy cylinders at prices higher than the fixed price. Even though the government has fixed the price, it is not being implemented at the field level.

 Talking to at least 10 gas cylinder retailers in Bogura city, it was learned that they themselves are being forced to buy cylinders at a price higher than the price fixed at the wholesale level. 

On condition of anonymity to avoid the fear of fines and complications, they said that on April 1, they bought Bashundhara brand cylinders for Tk 1,820, Jamuna for Tk 1,850 and Omera for Tk 1,890. 

The retailers alleged that no receipt is given when buying these cylinders. If they want a receipt, the company and dealer say that if they buy without a receipt, they buy it, otherwise they return it. 

They also said that when the price is high at the wholesale level, it is impossible to sell to consumers at the price fixed by the government. 

Retailers and consumers allege that such instability in LP gas has started due to lack of supervision in market management. Retailers are also suffering by buying at higher prices. Because they are the ones who are forced to pay fines in most cases. In addition, consumers are also annoyed with them. On the other hand, Buyers are suffering because they are not getting gas at the fixed price. 

When asked, Mehedi Hasan, Assistant Director of the National Consumer Rights Protection Department, Bogura, told Views Bangladesh, "We have come to our attention that gas cylinders are not being sold at the fixed price at the wholesale level. We will take a decision tomorrow (Saturday) to control the price of gas cylinders, including this issue. After that, a campaign will be launched in the market."