For all latest news, follow the Daily Sun's Google News channel.
LPG conversions in motorcycles rise amid fuel crisis
Motorcyclists are increasingly turning to cheaper and more accessible alternatives than petrol or octane, raising regulatory and safety concerns
Motorcycle users are increasingly turning to alternative fuel options-
Motorcycle users are increasingly turning to alternative fuel options amid a prolonged fuel crisis and rising prices, with unauthorised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) conversions gaining traction in the capital and beyond.
Though the technology is popular for its lower cost and easy availability, concerns are mounting over safety risks and its lack of legal approval.
Kabir Rahman (not his real name), a resident of Khilgaon, converted his motorcycle to LPG a week ago. “I have to take my child to school every day and commute to work. With rising fuel prices, I also have to wait in long queues at fuel stations. That’s why I opted for LPG conversion,” he said.
He noted that LPG prices nearly doubled last week but remain more accessible than petrol. “The conversion cost was high, but there was no alternative in the current situation,” he added.
Like him, many riders are opting for LPG conversions despite the absence of government approval.
Workshops offering such services report a sharp rise in demand. Sadif Enterprise, located on Zoo Road in Mirpur-1, has been converting motorcycles for the past two years.
Each conversion costs around Tk15,000 and typically involves installing a small cylinder with a capacity of up to five litres.
Before Eid, the workshop converted around 20 motorcycles per month. Now, it handles five to seven conversions daily.
Owner Shakil Rana (not his real name) said LPG offers mileage comparable to octane fuel, making it attractive, especially for ride-sharing drivers. “Since Eid, demand has increased two to three times,” he said.
Asked about the legality, he claimed he was unaware of any restrictions. “We have converted many motorcycles, and there has been no obstruction from law enforcement agencies,” he added.
The surge in conversions comes amid persistent fuel shortages since February, with long queues at filling stations becoming common. Global price hikes and supply disruptions have further strained the country’s fuel market.
In response, motorcycle assemblers have proposed a favourable tax structure in the upcoming budget to support LPG use, while business leaders have urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to allow the import of LPG-enabled motorcycles.
However, NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan opposed the idea at a pre-budget discussion on Tuesday, saying such initiatives should be discouraged to ease import pressure.
He also backed banning LPG-powered motorcycles and emphasised reducing reliance on private vehicles in favour of public transport.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) recently raised auto gas prices by Tk17.94 per litre, bringing the rate to Tk79.77 from Tk61.83.
Explaining the process, Rana said a special conversion kit enables gas to flow from the cylinder to the engine for combustion. The cylinder, typically with a capacity of 5-6 litres, is installed on the carrier or above the fuel tank.
He said the setup, costing between Tk10,000 and Tk15,000, can cut per-kilometre travel costs by up to 50%, driving its rapid adoption among both ride-sharing drivers and regular commuters.
However, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has warned that converting motorcycles to LPG or CNG is a punishable offence, as such modifications are not approved in the country. Recommended Stories