Energy Minister Directs DCs to Investigate Artificial LPG Crisis and Overpricing
There is no actual shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the domestic market, Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud stated, attributing ongoing market volatility to potential artificial crises fabricated by unscrupulous traders to extract higher prices from consumers.
Addressing the situation on Wednesday, the energy minister directed all district commissioners across the country to thoroughly investigate allegations of artificial LPG scarcity and unauthorized overpricing. The directives were officially communicated through a ministry press release issued following an online meeting held with the district commissioners at the Secretariat on Wednesday.
Expressing concern over why reports of shortages and inflated prices persist despite stable import and supply chains, the minister instructed the local administrations to submit detailed, evidence-based reports regarding the ground realities in their respective regions. He noted that comprehensive discussions will be held with importers and relevant stakeholders once these administrative reports are compiled, enabling the government to take targeted corrective measures.
The energy ministry warned that stern punitive actions will be enforced against any individuals or entities found guilty of engineering artificial shortages or flouting the official pricing structure fixed by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC). Furthermore, the minister urged district administrations to maintain heightened vigilance and remain rigorously active to ensure uninterrupted LPG distribution and market stability.
