Although the government fixes the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) every month, retail vendors continue to sell it to consumers at higher rates. When asked, retailers claim they cannot sell at government-mandated prices because they must purchase cylinders from dealers at higher costs. The situation has worsened recently.

While the government most recently fixed the price of a 12 kg LPG cylinder at 1,585 taka, retailers are charging consumers between 2,200 and 2,600 taka per cylinder by citing shortages. Consequently, buyers are forced to pay an extra 600 to 1,000 taka above the government-fixed price.

In response to this situation, Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud has directed Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to take to the field and investigate allegations of artificial LPG shortages and overpricing.

He issued this directive during an online meeting with Deputy Commissioners at the Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon (September 30).

The Minister stated that there is no shortage of LPG supply in the country. However, artificial crises may be engineered in certain areas to sell LPG at inflated prices.

DCs have been instructed to investigate why shortages are reported and why excessive prices are being charged despite normal supply, and to submit reports backed by information and evidence.

He noted that after receiving data from the Deputy Commissioners, the ministry will hold meetings with importers and relevant stakeholders to take necessary measures. Initiatives will also be taken to increase supply in areas where availability is found to be low.

Warning strict action, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud stated that anyone found creating artificial crises or selling LPG above the prices set by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) will face legal consequences.

The Energy Minister also urged Deputy Commissioners to remain vigilant and cautious to ensure a normal supply chain for LPG.

Previously, during an exchange meeting at the Secretariat on Monday (September 28), LPG importers and operators assured Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku that the country's market supply and stock situation for LPG remains normal, with no existing shortages.

The overall situation in the country's LPG sector was presented and reviewed at the meeting, organized by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.

According to data presented at the meeting, 157,760 metric tons of LPG were imported into the country in August 2026, while 118,742 metric tons were imported in September up to the 22nd.

During Monday's meeting, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku assured that the ministry would provide all-out cooperation to remove any existing obstacles in LPG imports, emphasizing that all necessary steps will be taken to ease daily life for citizens.