Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has stated that the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in domestic market will not increase for the time being.
Following a meeting with representatives of LPG importing and supplying organisations at the Ministry of Commerce conference room in Secretariat on Thursday, the minister also indicated that prices would return to their previous levels.
Addressing journalists’ queries regarding whether the price of LPG cylinders is set to rise, Muktadir clarified that there is currently no such decision.
He noted that during the meeting, importers presented data-backed arguments for a price review to ensure the continued viability of their businesses.
The minister stressed that any such review would be based on factual evidence rather than mere verbal claims, asserting that if the data is justifiable, it must be considered because businesses cannot be expected to operate at a loss.
Muktadir further mentioned that the government would attempt to resolve the various issues raised by sector stakeholders to ensure that businesses can operate without disruption in the coming days.
Regarding the conduct of retailers, the Minister observed that they sometimes attempt to exploit market situations, an issue which he clarified is not the responsibility of the importers.
To prevent “market abuse” and ensure that consumers do not face such harassment, the government intends to increase monitoring through local administrations.
The meeting, which included importers and owners of bottling plants, was organised to ensure a stable market and a satisfactory supply of LPG, thereby preventing “unbearable situations” for consumers at the retail level.
