LPG Cylinder Sales Suspended Nationwide as Dealers Launch Indefinite Strike

The LPG Business Cooperative Society has announced an indefinite suspension of LPG cylinder sales nationwide, citing unresolved demands over pricing and what it describes as persistent harassment and fines imposed on dealers by authorities.

According to the society, LPG cylinder sales were halted across the country, including in Dhaka, from Thursday morning. The directive, issued late Wednesday night (January 7), also instructed distributors to stop extracting LPG from company plants, effectively freezing the entire supply chain.

The suspension has already caused visible disruptions. In Dhaka’s Ibrahimpur area, most shops reported having no LPG cylinders in stock, while a handful of retailers with limited supplies are selling cylinders at significantly higher prices.

Arafat, an LPG retailer in the area, told local media that 12kg cylinders are currently being sold at Tk 2,100 to Tk 2,300, well above the regulated price.
“Distributors buy cylinders from companies at around Tk 1,370, but sell them to us at nearly Tk 2,000,” he said. “Last night, we managed to bring a few cylinders from Tongi at Tk 2,100 and are now selling them at Tk 2,300.”

Earlier, the society held a press conference in front of the National Press Club, placing its demands before the authorities. The group called on the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to revise LPG cylinder prices and to stop what it termed harassment and punitive fines against dealers.

Society president Selim Khan confirmed that the shutdown would continue unless their demands were addressed.
“Cylinder sales have been suspended nationwide since Thursday morning,” he said. “We are scheduled to meet BERC at 3:00 pm today. If our demands are accepted, sales will resume. Otherwise, the suspension will continue indefinitely.”

The strike has raised concerns among consumers, particularly low- and middle-income households, as LPG remains a primary cooking fuel for millions across the country.