Acute LPG shortage in Rajshahi: Prices soar above govt rate
An acute shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders has suddenly emerged in Rajshahi, forcing consumers to pay prices far higher than the government-fixed rate.
Many retailers say they are unable to stock cylinders at all due to soaring wholesale costs.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Consumers alleged that despite paying inflated prices, LPG cylinders remain unavailable in many parts of the city. Retailers, on the other hand, claim they are being compelled to buy cylinders from dealers at increased rates.
Jamish Uddin, a consumer, said the government-fixed price of a 12 kg LPG cylinder is Tk 1,306, but he had to purchase one for Tk 1,500. He also claimed that in several areas, cylinders are being sold at even higher prices.
A visit to different markets in the city found that many shops had no LPG cylinders in stock. Shopkeepers said they were refraining from selling gas altogether as they are being charged excessively by dealers, leaving consumers with no option but to buy cylinders at inflated prices from limited sources.
Saiful Islam, a retailer in Kazla area, said they are currently selling 12 kg LPG cylinders at Tk 1,500. "We have to buy the same cylinder from dealers at more than Tk 1,400. Today, they are asking for even more. That's why we have temporarily stopped buying gas," he said.
Mohammad Naim, a wholesaler of Jamuna Gas, said they are selling 12 kg cylinders at Tk 1,400 to retailers. "The price is higher from the company. I don't know why the price has increased. The company's price never matches the government-fixed rate. The government sets one price, and the company sets another," he added.
Meanwhile, Bipul Bishwas, assistant director of National Consumer Rights Protection in Rajshahi said authorities have already started working on the issue. "In this country, everyone tends to blame others. Retailers are blaming dealers, and dealers are blaming companies for the price hike. We are checking sales memos, and if we find any irregularities, fines are being imposed," the official said.
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