LPG shops to close nationwide for two days

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distributors have announced a two-day nationwide shutdown of LPG shops on 15 and 16 October, demanding higher commissions, an end to alleged harassment by law enforcement agencies and measures to bring unused cylinders back into circulation.
Md Selim Khan, president of the LPG Gas Traders Cooperative Association, announced the programme at a press conference at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday.
He warned that the traders could launch a tougher movement, including an indefinite nationwide shutdown, if their demands were not met.
The association is demanding an increase in distributors’ commissions from Tk50 to Tk150 per cylinder. It has also called for an end to arbitrary price increases by LPG companies after the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announces its monthly rates, saying any subsequent changes should be made through the regulator.
The traders have further demanded that LPG companies resume filling cylinders belonging to firms that have ceased operations and take steps to return unused cylinders to the market.
Selim said the closure of several companies and difficulties in opening letters of credit (LCs) for LPG imports had left hundreds of thousands of cylinders unused, affecting supplies.
The association also protested what it described as unjustified fines and harassment by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and executive magistrates.
According to the traders, the current commission is insufficient to cover distribution costs, making it difficult for them to sell LPG at the officially fixed prices.
The association sent a letter to BERC on 8 October seeking an increase in the commission from Tk50 to Tk150 per cylinder.
On 4 October, BERC raised the official price of a 12kg LPG cylinder by Tk252 to Tk1,837.