Govt asks DCs to probe LPG supply irregularities

The government has asked deputy commissioners (DCs) to probe whether artificial shortages are being created in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies to inflate prices and raise profit margins.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood issued the directive during an online meeting with deputy commissioners on Wednesday.

The minister said there was no overall shortage of LPG in the country, but acknowledged that artificial scarcity might have been created in some areas and consumers could be charged more than the price fixed by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).

He asked the DCs to submit reports on why LPG shortages were being reported despite normal supply and why consumers were being charged extra.

The government will hold further discussions with importers and other stakeholders after receiving the district-level reports and take necessary measures, Iqbal Hassan said.

“Where supply shortages are identified, steps will be taken to increase supply,” he said.