LP gas traders threaten nationwide supply suspension

LPG Traders Cooperative Society Limited issued the ultimatum from a human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club on Wednesday.

The programme was organised to protest the ongoing crisis and mismanagement in the LPG sector.

Addressing the gathering, the society’s president Selim Khan said the country is facing a severe LPG crisis.

He alleged that BERC has set new prices without consulting distributors, creating hardships for companies, distributors, and consumers alike.

“Instead of resolving the crisis, unnecessary controversy is being created over pricing. Raids by inexperienced Consumer Rights Protection Directorate have further panicked the market and forced many traders to shut down,” he said.

Selim Khan also criticised the current pricing system, saying that although BERC announces LPG prices monthly, companies adjust prices multiple times, leaving distributors to bear the burden.

He demanded the formation of a permanent committee and an increase in commissions for distributors and retailers.

The organisation claimed that although the country has around 55 million LPG cylinders only about 12.5 million are being refilled, resulting in a supply shortfall of nearly 60 percent compared to demand.

Rising costs and the closure of several companies have pushed distributors to the brink of bankruptcy, he said.

The traders urged government intervention including subsidies for inactive cylinders and measures to ensure uninterrupted gas supply.

Leaders and members of the society along with general traders participated in the human chain, reports UNB.