JASHORE — Traders in Chougachha, Jashore, are selling 12-kg LPG cylinders for 400 to 500 taka more than the government-set price. At the consumer level, the price is reaching 2,100 to 2,200 taka.
The cylinder, whose price had risen from 1,341 taka to 1,728 taka, is now selling for 2,200 taka. In 30 small and large markets across the upazila’s 11 unions, the cylinders are selling above the newly set price.
Buyers allege that local retailers are charging more for LPG gas cylinders.
A visit Sunday (April 12) to markets in Saluya, Singhajhuli, Pashapole, Dhuliani, Chougachha, Patibila, Hakimpur, Narayanpur, Purapara, Mashila and Chadpara revealed the situation. The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) recently raised the consumer price of private-sector liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The new LPG cylinder price was set at 1,728 taka, up from 1,341 taka the previous month, an increase of 387 taka per 12-kg cylinder. The cylinders were supposed to sell at 1,728 taka under the new rate.
But conversations with consumers and retailers indicate that the higher prices are being charged on the pretext of an artificial shortage. As a result, each cylinder is being marked up by as much as 813 taka.
A retailer at Chougachha bazaar said Sunday afternoon, “We have to buy cylinders from dealers at higher prices. I’m keeping a margin of 50 taka per cylinder.”
Another retailer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Dealers used to give us 10 to 12 cylinders. Now they give three to four. They charge more than the government-set price. We retailers do business on small margins.”
M.A. Mannan, a journalist who lives in the Amrakanan area of Chougachha bazaar, said, “Local retailers are holding consumers hostage and unlawfully charging higher prices for this gas.”
Selimuzzaman, assistant director of the Jashore district consumer rights protection office, said, “We have received several complaints from consumers. Our operations are continuing. We will identify the culprits and take legal action against them.”
Farzana Islam, Chougachha upazila executive officer, said, “Our operations against any kind of hoarding and artificial shortages are continuing. Mobile courts are regularly being conducted. If anyone charges more than the set price for an LPG cylinder, legal action will be taken against them.”
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report