Bangladesh’s Cooking Gas Crisis Deepens as Prices Skyrocket Beyond Control
Bangladesh has faced severe shortages of cooking gas for nearly two weeks, with prices soaring far above the official rate. A 12-kilogram LPG cylinder, fixed by the government at Tk 1,253, is now being sold for Tk 1,800 to Tk 2,100 in many areas. Experts argue the crisis is not caused by natural shortages but by deliberate market manipulation.
The LPG supply chain in Bangladesh operates almost entirely through private companies, with no state-controlled reserves or public distributors to stabilise availability. This lack of oversight has allowed hoarding and price exploitation, pushing costs beyond reach for many households. While the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) holds the power to set tariffs, issue licences, and penalise violations, enforcement remains weak.
LPG is a critical fuel for millions of middle- and lower-income families, as well as small food businesses and restaurants. Unlike luxury goods, it is an everyday necessity, making price spikes particularly damaging. The current crisis mirrors past artificial shortages in other essential commodities, where weak regulation enabled market distortions. To address the issue, experts suggest treating LPG as an essential commodity, similar to India’s model of private distribution with state subsidies and oversight. Proposed solutions include digital tracking of the supply chain, stricter enforcement of penalties, and empowering consumer protection agencies. Some also recommend fair-price outlets managed by major importers to curb exploitation.
The ongoing LPG crisis highlights gaps in Bangladesh’s energy regulation, where private control and lax enforcement create artificial shortages. Without stronger oversight and structural reforms, price manipulation and supply disruptions are likely to persist. The government’s next steps will determine whether cooking gas remains affordable for those who depend on it most.
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