United News of Bangladesh

Even though the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) had set the price of a 12- kg LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinder at Tk 1,364 for the month of July, many consumers in the capital were being forced to pay between Tk 1,500 and Tk 1,600 — well above the official rate. The price discrepancy has sparked frustration among households and small businesses, who say they are being burdened with unjustified additional costs amid already mounting living expenses. Talking to UNB, a resident of Uttara said, "I went to three different shops in my area, and no one was selling the cylinder for less than Tk 1,500. If the government fixes a price, why is it not being enforced? We, the common people, are suffering." Fuel prices to remain unchanged in August "We are the worst sufferers," said Kokhon, a restaurant owner, adding, "We use a lot of gas cylinders, but the prices are extremely high. Retailers always charge more than the price set by BERC — they don’t care about the official rate. It’s all controlled by a syndicate," he added. Akhi Afrin, a housewife from Uttara’s Diabari, expressed similar frustration. "This is not a luxury item. LPG is a basic necessity for cooking. If prices go up like this, how will we manage our household budget?" she said. Surprisingly, many consumers remain unaware of the government-fixed LPG price. When asked, several gave similar responses, UNB observed. Climate change driving up grocery prices globally Questioned about the inflated rates, Raju Ahmed, Assistant Director (Tariff-2) at BERC, said the market is currently under surveillance by the Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection, in coordination with the respective Deputy Commissioners' (DC) offices. In response to why prices remain inflated despite ongoing monitoring, Raju Ahmed told UNB, “It should not be the case, but if such irregularities are occurring, I will bring the matter to the attention of higher authorities.” He urged consumers to lodge formal complaints with the Directorate, attaching valid receipts as evidence, so that appropriate action can be taken. Retailers, however, claim they are not deliberately ignoring the government-set rate. Instead, they point to problems in the supply chain and alleged price irregularities at the wholesale level. BERC reduces LPG, auto gas prices for July "We're buying cylinders at higher rates from distributors — sometimes over Tk 1,450 per cylinder," said Jahidul Islam, an LPG retailer in Uttara. "If we sell at BERC’s price, we’ll incur losses. We are being forced to charge higher just to stay in business," he said. Another seller, requesting anonymity, said distributors themselves are not adhering to BERC prices. "There is no proper monitoring, and small sellers like us are being blamed unfairly," he added. He also mentioned that popular brands such as Beximco and Bashundhara are sold at higher rates due to their high demand. Experts argue that the core issue lies in weak enforcement of BERC’s pricing directives. "BERC may fix the prices, but without proper monitoring and a transparent distribution chain, consumers will never benefit," said an energy expert and consumer rights advocate. "There needs to be strict action against those who are overcharging, including wholesalers," he said. Faridpur farmers in distress as onion prices plummet Consumers are now calling on the government to intervene and ensure LPG is sold at the regulated price. Many have urged BERC and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to conduct market inspections and hold both distributors and retailers accountable. Until then, the gap between official pricing and real-world costs continues to weigh heavily on the average household.

The price of a 12kg LPG cylinder will remain unchanged at Tk1,450 for the month of April. The new price will be effective from 6 pm on April 6 (Sunday). As per the announcement of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), the price of per kg LP gas has been kept unchanged at Tk120.81 for the month of April. Price of 12-kg LPG cylinder goes down by Tk 28 The prices for other sizes of LPG cylinders—ranging from 5.5 kg to 45 kg—will also remain unchanged accordingly, the BERC added. It also said the price of “auto gas” (LPG used for motor vehicles) has been kept at Tk 66.41 (including VAT) per litre. Prices of 12 kg LPG cylinder goes up by Tk 19 But, the price of LPG marketed by the state-owned LP Gas Company will also remain unchanged, as it is locally produced and holds a market share of less than 5 percent. LPG witnessed the highest price at Tk 1,498 (per 12 kg cylinder) in the local market in February in 2023.  

The price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder has been re-fixed at Tk1,450 for the month of March, down by Tk 28 from the previous month’s price of Tk 1,478, with effect from 6 pm on March 3 (Monday). As per the announcement of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), the price of per kg LP gas has been brought down by Tk2.35 to Tk120.81 from Tk 123.16 for the month. The prices for other sizes of LPG cylinders—ranging from 5.5 kg to 45 kg—will also go down accordingly, the BERC added. LPG price slightly hiked after VAT structure change It also said that the price of “auto gas” (LPG used for motor vehicles) has been adjusted to Tk 66.43 from Tk 67.78 (including VAT) per litre. However, the price of LPG marketed by the state-owned LP Gas Company will remain unchanged, as it is locally produced and holds a market share of less than 5 percent. BNP slams LPG price hike as ‘illogical, anti-people’ LPG witnessed the highest price at Tk 1,498 (per 12 kg cylinder) in the local market in February in 2023.

BNP has strongly protested the rise in the price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder, describing it as a completely ‘illogical and anti-people’ decision. Speaking to reporters after paying tribute to party founder Ziaur Rahman on Tuesday, party Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the interim government has taken this move due to its lack of accountability. Earlier, Rizvi, along with the leaders of the newly formed convening committee of the BNP’s Manikganj district unit, placed wreaths at Zia's grave. “This decision will put immense pressure on low-income and poor people, such as rickshaw pullers, CNG drivers and small shopkeepers,” he said. The BNP argued that the price hike of the cylindered gas, which is used for household purposes, will exert serious strain on the economy. “It will burden the poor. This decision is completely unjustified and anti-people. It would not have occurred had there been an elected government,” he said. UK rights envoy meets BNP leaders; discuses HR situation, polls The BNP leader also said their party and other democratic groups have been supporting the interim government, but warned that no undemocratic measures should be taken that would cause further hardship for the poor and low-income people. He voiced concern that the prices of all essential items, including rice, have already exceeded the purchasing power of the poor. “In such circumstances, raising the price of the gas cylinder will only add salt to the wound of the people.” On Sunday, the government raised the price of a 12kg LPG cylinder by Tk 19, with the new retail price set at Tk 1,478. The BNP leader said the country’s economy is struggling amid there is no new investment for a lack a democratic government. “No one is daring to invest because the interim government is a temporary government. So, people are uncertain. People are in a state of confusion. To end this uncertainty, a political government is needed,” he said. Rizvi also said the country now needs a government that can restore power to the people and reflect their will in running the country. “We need an elected government that will be accountable to the people to overcome our economic crisis.” BNP proposes NHS-style universal health system for Bangladesh He criticised the current government, saying it is running the country with a heavy reliance on foreign loans, while national reserves are starting to dwindle. The BNP leader warned, "Dark clouds are looming on the horizon. To overcome these, we must move towards an elected government." The BNP leader called upon the government to stop trying to prolong its power by creating a smokescreen in the name of reforms. He said the first and foremost responsibility of the interim government is to ensure a free and fair election. “Who will form a party or create an organisation is not the responsibility of the chief advisor. The responsibility to ensure elections within a specific time frame lies with you (chief advisor). If this is not done, it will create fear and suspicion in the minds of the people about whether a 'ghost' of Sheikh Hasina may emerge,” Rizvi said.

Price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) remains the same for the month of December. According to Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), the price of per kg LPG will remain at Tk 121.25 for the month of December as it was in November. The new prices will be effective from 6 pm today (December 3, 2024). LPG price adjustment for Dec to be announced today BERC announced the new price, saying that a 12 kg LPG cylinder’s price remains unchanged. Prices of other sizes of LPG cylinders – from 5.5 kg to 45 kg – will ramian the same, BERC said at a press briefing on Tuesday at its Dhaka office. BERC officials said LPG price remains unchanged in the local market as Bangladeshi LPG operators normally import their products from the Middle-Eastern market on the basis of Saudi CP which did not change. As per the BERC decision, the price of “auto gas” (LPG used for motor vehicles) also remained at Tk 66.81 per litre (including VAT). LPG price remains almost the same for November The price of LPG, marketed by state-owned LP Gas Company, will also remain the same as it is locally produced with a market share of less than 5 percent. LPG witnessed the highest price at Tk 1,498 (per 12 kg cylinder) in the local market in February last year. 12 kg LPG cylinder price hiked by Tk 35

Price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has been slashed again. Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced the new price, saying that a 12kg LPG cylinder’s price has been reduced by Tk 75.24. A retail consumer will now get it at Tk 999 instead of Tk 1,074 (including VAT). Prices of other sizes of LPG cylinders – from 5.5kg to 45kg – will go down rationally, Md Nurul Amin, newly appointed chairman of BERC, said at a press briefing on Monday at the BERC office in Dhaka. The new prices will be effective from 6 pm today (July 3, 2023). LPG price drops by Tk 13.42 per kg BERC officials said the LPG price witnessed a decline in the local market due to the decrease in the prices of Saudi CP (contract price). Bangladeshi LPG operators normally import their products from the Middle-East market on the basis of Saudi CP. As per the BERC decision, the price of “auto gas” (LPG used for motor vehicles) also dropped to Tk 46.59 (including VAT) per litre from the previous Tk 50.09. 12-kg LPG price goes up by Tk 57 to Tk 1235 The price of LPG, marketed by state-owned LP Gas Company, will remain the same as it is locally produced with a market share of less than 5 percent. LPG witnessed the highest price at Tk 1,498 (per 12kg cylinder) in the local market in February this year following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February last year. 12kg LPG cylinder to cost Tk 244 less

Price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has slashed by Tk 13.42 per kg to Tk 89.48 from the previous price of Tk 102.9 for the month of June. Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced the new price, saying that a 12kg LPG cylinder’s price has reduced by Tk 161. A retail consumer will get it now at Tk 1,074 instead of Tk 1235 (including VAT).Prices of other sizes of LPG cylinders – from 5.5kg to 45kg – will go down rationally, Md Nurul Amin, newly appointed chairman of BERC, said at a press briefing on Thursday at the BERC office in Dhaka. The new prices will be effective from 6 pm today (June 1, 2023). BERC officials said the LPG price witnessed a rise in the local market due to the decrease in the prices of Saudi CP (contract price). Bangladeshi LPG operators normally import their products from the Middle-East market on the basis of Saudi CP. Also read: 12-kg LPG price goes up by Tk 57 to Tk 1235 As per the BERC decision, the price of “auto gas” (LPG used for motor vehicles) also dropped to Tk 50.09 (including VAT) per litre from previous Tk 57.52, down by 7.43 per litre. The price of LPG, marketed by state-owned LP Gas Company, will remain the same as it is locally produced with a market share of less than 5 percent. LPG witnessed the highest price at Tk 1,498 (per 12kg cylinder) in the local market in February this year following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February last year.  

Price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has increased by Tk 4.75 per kg to Tk 102.9 from the previous price of Tk 98.17 for the month of May. Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced the new price, saying that a 12kg LPG cylinder’s price has increased by Tk 57.  A retail consumer will get it now at Tk 1235 instead of Tk 1178 (including VAT). Read More: 12kg LPG cylinder to cost Tk 244 less Prices of other sizes of LPG cylinders – from 5.5kg to 45kg – will go up rationally, Md Nurul Amin, newly appointed chairman of BERC, said at a press briefing on Tuesday at the BERC office in Dhaka. The new prices will be effective from 6 pm today (May 2, 2023). BERC officials said the LPG price witnessed a rise in the local market due to a increase in the prices of Saudi CP (contract price). Bangladeshi LPG operators normally import their products from the Middle-East market on the basis of Saudi CP. As per the BERC decision, the price of “auto gas” (LPG used for motor vehicles) also increased to Tk 57.52 per litre (including VAT) from the previous  Tk 54.90 per litre, up  by Tk2.62 per litre. The price of LPG, marketed by state-owned LP Gas Company, will remain the same as it is locally produced with a market share of less than 5 percent. LPG witnessed the highest price at Tk 1,498 (per 12kg cylinder) in the local market in February this year following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February last year.    

Price of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) has increased by Tk 4.25 per kg to Tk 104.26 from previous rate of Tk 100.01 per kg as the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) on Wednesday (November 02, 2022) announced the new value of the petroleum gas for the month of November. As per the new price, a retail consumer will get a 12-kg LPG cylinder at Tk 1251 instead of previous price of Tk 1,200. The prices of LPG for other sizes of cylinders from 5.5 kg to 45 kg will go up rationally, said BERC chairman Abdul Jalil, who announced the new price at a virtual press briefing. Read more: LPG could be ready solution to energy problem for industries: Speakers As per the announcement, the price of auto gas (LPG used for motor vehicles) was increased too to Tk 58.28 per litre from previous price of Tk 54.33 per litre, up by Tk 3.95 per litre. The new price will be effective from 6 pm on Wednesday (Novemer 2). Jalil informed that the US Dollar rate was considered at Tk 106.25 in refixing the price of the LPG as private operators import it from Middle East through foreign currency. Read more: MoU signed for movement of Indian POL, LPG carrying vehicles through Bangladesh He said though the LPG price has substantially come down in the global market, consumers are not getting full advantage of the downward trend due to the high dollar price in the local market. Last month, the dollar exchange rate was considered Tk106.64.  The price of LPG, marketed by state-owned LP Gas Company, will remain as usual as it is locally produced with a market share of less than 5%. Read More Omera launches online system to provide doorstep delivery of LPG to customers in Dhaka The LPG price went up to the highest Tk1,439 (a 12kg cylinder) in the local market, following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February this year. The LPG price in Bangladesh was the lowest at Tk1,225 for a 12kg cylinder in January this year and it witnessed continuous hikes in February, March and April.

Price of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) has declined by Tk 2.91 per kg as the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) on Sunday announced the new value of the petroleum gas for the month of October. As per the new price, a retail consumer will get a 12-kg LPG cylinder at Tk 1200 instead of previous price of Tk 1,235. The prices of LPG for other sizes of cylinders from 5.5 kg to 45 kg will come down rationally, said BERC chairman Abdul Jalil, who announced the new price at a virtual press briefing on Sunday. As per the announcement, the price of auto gas (LPG used for motor vehicles) was reduced to 55.92 per litre from previous price of Tk 57.55 per litre, down by Tk 1.63 per litre. The new price will be effective from 6 pm on Sunday (October 2). Jalil informed that the US Dollar rate was considered at Tk 106.64 in refixing the price of the LPG as private operators import it from Middle East through foreign currency. He said though the LPG price has substantially come down in the global market, consumers are not getting full advantage of the downward trend due to the high dollar price in the local market. Last month, the dollar exchange rate was considered Tk104.02 The price of LPG, marketed by state-owned LP Gas Company, will remain as usual as it is locally produced with a market share of less than 5%. The LPG price went up to the highest Tk1,439 (a 12kg cylinder) in the local market, following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February this year. The LPG price was the lowest at Tk1,225 for a 12kg cylinder in January this year and it witnessed continuous hikes in February, March and April.