Demand for LPG conversion in vehicles surged in early April as fuel shortages and long queues for octane and CNG pushed drivers to seek alternatives.
Conversion centres across Dhaka reported a 50 to 100 per cent rise in demand in the first two weeks of April, compared to previous periods.
Zantrik Chief Operating Officer Biplob Biswas said conversions at his facility are set to double compared to March, with the total number of conversions completed last month already matched within the first half of April.
Maple Leaf LPG Manager Md Delwar Hossain said conversions in the first two weeks of April have reached March levels and are expected to double by the end of the month.
The surge is being driven by fuel shortages that have forced drivers to queue for long hours at filling stations.
“Many vehicle owners are shifting to LPG to avoid waiting,” Delwar Hossain said.
He added that difficulties in accessing octane are pushing more users towards LPG, including some luxury car owners.
The trend follows fuel scarcity that began in early March, according to industry insiders.
JMI Industrial Gas Senior Sales and Service Engineer Md Jewel Miah said demand is typically low during winter months from December to February, with this year’s slowdown more pronounced due to the election period.
“The demand began to rise suddenly from the end of March,” he said.
At JMI’s Tejgaon conversion centre, around 15 vehicles were converted in early April, marking a 50 per cent increase from a typical month.
Mirpur-based SUV owner Kamruzzaman Khan said he converted his vehicle to avoid long queues at fuel stations.
“CNG stations often have long lines and inconsistent pressure,” he said.
“LPG is also better for engine performance compared to CNG.”
Kamruzzaman said he converted his vehicle just before the fuel crisis began, and the decision is now saving him from waiting in queues.
LPG conversion costs range between Tk45,000 and Tk70,000 depending on cylinder size and kit quality.
In Bangladesh, LPG cylinders with capacities between 45 and 90 litres are available, with round cylinders starting from 45 litres for spare tyre fitting and conventional ones from 60 litres.
The country’s monthly LPG demand stands at around 150,000 tonnes, of which about 120,000 tonnes are used for cooking, 15,000 tonnes for industrial use and 15,000 tonnes as autogas.
