Photo : Messenger
Consumers in recent months have been grappling with a relentless surge in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which remains a vital energy source for countless households across the country.
The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has recently introduced a revised pricing structure. With the latest increase of Tk 1.48 per kilogram (KG) compared to the previous month of October, the price for a 12-kilogram gas cylinder witnessed a hike – thereby soaring to Tk 1,381 in this November.
BERC Chairman Nurul Amin made this announcement during a commission meeting on Thursday, stating, "The price of LPG per kilogram for November is set at Tk 115 and 9 paisa, up from 113 taka and 61 paisa in October."
Consequently, the cost of the widely used 12-kilogram cylinder rose by Tk 18, reaching Tk 1381 compared to the previous month's price of Tk 1363.
Notably, back in July, a 12-kilogram cylinder was priced at Tk 999. This cost increased to Tk 1,140 in August, further to Tk 1,284 in September, and peaked at Tk 1,363 in October.
However, prior to these increases, the price had actually decreased by Tk 161 in June, reducing it to Tk 1,074 from the previous month's price of Tk 1,235.
Conversations with consumers from various areas of the capital have revealed their struggle to procure a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder at the BERC's fixed price of Tk 1381. Consumers have lamented being compelled to purchase these cylinders at higher rates of Tk 1450, Tk 1500, Tk 1550, and, in some cases, as high as Tk 1600. Adding to their concerns, consumers have reported that shopkeepers often fail to provide receipts, rendering it challenging to file complaints with the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP).
Anwar, a consumer in New Eskaton, shared his experience, stating, "I purchased a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder for Tk 1,550 on Sunday."
Jasim, an LPG retailer residing in Karwan Bazar, noted, "We acquire 12-kilogram LPG cylinders for Tk 1,450 and sell them to consumers at prices ranging from Tk 1,500 to Tk 1,550."
Redwanur Rahman, Head of Division at Bashundhara LPG, assured, "Our reserves are sufficient, and we are selling 12-kilogram LPG cylinders at the BERC's fixed price of Tk 1,284 to dealers."
Abu Taher Qureshi, owner of Abu Taher Enterprise in Dhaka and a Bashundhara LPG dealer, disclosed, "We purchase 12 kilograms of LPG for Tk 1,371 and then sell it to retailers at higher prices."
When queried about the unusually high price of a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder being sold at Tk 1,550, BERC Chairman Nurul Amin responded, "These claims lack a factual basis. During a period of shortage, some individuals paid more in July."
Addressing the consecutive price hikes over the past four months, the official explained, "The Saudi contract price has been rising each month. It was anticipated to decrease in
November, but due to recent events such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, it surged, resulting in an additional Tk 18 increase for a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder." The official further clarified that LPG has to be imported from abroad, and fluctuations in international prices are reflected in local rates.
It's worth mentioning that Saudi Aramco announced the average price of LPG feedstock propane and butane for November at $616.50 per tonne, an increase from the previous month's $609.75. BERC considered this rate when determining the new pricing, which went into effect at 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Since April 2021, BERC has been establishing LPG prices in the country on a monthly basis, taking into account the Saudi Cargo Price (CP) of LPG.
Messenger/Disha
