Another round of LPG price cuts has slashed Tk357 off the monthly bill, bringing a 12-kg cylinder down to Tk1,528.
But by 6 pm Thursday, Dhaka’s retailers were still holding firm at old prices.
On the same day, the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), the regulator for the electricity and energy sector, announced a fresh adjustment in LPG prices.
The per-kg price was reduced by Tk29.76 to Tk127.30.
This marks the steepest monthly reduction in recent adjustments, which are carried out every month in line with fluctuations in the international market.
Last month, the price of a 12-kg cylinder had also been reduced by Tk55.
Despite such revisions, market practice often appears inconsistent.
In months when prices rise, retailers typically begin charging higher rates immediately after the government announcement.
When prices fall, traders often cite delays in the arrival of newly priced cylinders. Confusion also arises when explaining why stock reflecting higher prices is available quickly during price hikes but not during reductions.
Consumers have long complained that LPG cylinders are rarely sold at the official rate in retail markets.
In many cases, they end up paying an additional Tk200 to Tk500 per cylinder.
The issue is particularly common with the widely used 12-kg cylinders used for household cooking.
Enforcement, however, remains weak. No government agency has been able to consistently ensure sales at the regulated price.
While fines are occasionally imposed on retailers or distributors, there is little evidence of major companies being held accountable.
A retailer at Karwan Bazar, Mohammad Nirob, said the situation has remained unchanged for years.
He said that the government rate is usually about Tk100 lower than the market price. According to him, retailers purchase cylinders from distributors, and additional costs such as transport and staff wages contribute to higher retail prices.
However, Abdul Haque, owner of LPG distributor Janata Traders in the same market, rejected claims of overpricing at the distribution level.
He said cylinders are being supplied to retailers at the revised rate of Tk1,450, adding that transport and operational costs are already included in that price.
The market includes LPG cylinders of various capacities, and BERC has confirmed that all sizes are adjusted according to the newly fixed per-kg rate.
The price of the 12.5-kg LPG cylinder supplied by state-owned companies remains unchanged at Tk825. Meanwhile, LPG or autogas used in vehicles has been reduced from Tk86.93 per litre to Tk70.40.
BERC has been regulating LPG prices since April 2021. Propane and butane, the two main components of LPG, are imported from different countries.
Monthly international benchmark prices are published by Saudi Aramco, known as the Saudi CP. Using this benchmark, BERC sets domestic LPG prices each month.
The final rate is determined after factoring in the average exchange rate of the US dollar based on import invoices submitted by companies.
