Chittagong retailers defy government price caps on select LPG brands despite stable supply
Photo Collected
Retailers in Chittagong are selling 12-kilogram liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders at significantly inflated prices, with some outlets charging up to 422 taka above the government-mandated rate. Despite an adequate supply of gas across the city, the price discrepancies remain concentrated on specific brands, particularly Total and Beximco, while other suppliers continue to adhere to the official retail price of 1,528 taka.
A market survey conducted in the Sholashahar and Polytechnic intersection areas on Saturday revealed a fragmented pricing landscape. At Messers Jihan Enterprise in Sholashahar, a 12kg cylinder of Total gas was priced at 1,850 taka, while a Beximco cylinder was selling for 1,950 taka—a markup of 422 taka over the government limit. Proprietor Mohammad Sahab Uddin attributed the high costs to existing inventory purchased at higher rates, claiming that prices will stabilize once new shipments arrive on Sunday.
বিজ্ঞাপন
The practice is not universal. At Messers Khaja Chula Ghar in the same area, cylinders from these two brands were retailing at 1,700 taka, or 172 taka above the official price. Conversely, Messers Mohammadiya Trading at the Polytechnic intersection was found to be selling cylinders at the government-mandated rate. Owner Muhammad Ali Azam noted that while market supply is currently sufficient, consumer demand remains sluggish.
The current price instability follows a period of significant volatility in the global energy market triggered by tensions in the Middle East. LPG prices in Bangladesh reached a record high earlier this year, peaking at 1,940 taka for a 12kg cylinder in April. Although international prices have since softened—prompting the government to reduce the price to 1,528 taka last Thursday—the transition has been uneven.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Khorshedur Rahman, president of the LPG Distributors Association of Chittagong, explained that while imports and market supply remain normal, the retail sector is struggling with a transition period. He noted that many retailers are still holding stock acquired at higher costs, making an immediate price adjustment difficult. The association plans to meet with representatives from Total, Beximco, and other distributors on Sunday to address the issue of inflated retail pricing and ensure better compliance with the new price structure.
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