Electricity, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan has said that traders must take responsibility for controlling LPG prices. He urged businesspeople to move away from the culture of excessive profit-making and money laundering, adding that political figures and their allied traders are involved in the ongoing gas crisis.
Calling the reduction of LPG prices a major challenge, the adviser noted that cylinders priced at Tk 1,200 are being sold for Tk 1,400 to Tk 1,500.
He made these remarks at a discussion titled “LPG in Bangladesh: Economy, Environment and Safety,” organized by the daily Bonik Barta at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital.
BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, speaking as special guest, said that development is impossible without energy. “Energy demand will continue to rise, and we must ensure energy supply at any cost,” he added.
Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Chairman Jalal Ahmed emphasized that authorities must ensure consumers do not have to pay excessive prices.
Professor Dr. M. Shamsul Alam stated that the Energy Regulatory Commission has failed to ensure the safety of both consumers and investors. He urged entrepreneurs to conduct business transparently and to safeguard the interests of marginal consumers.
Responding to the adviser’s allegations about money laundering and irregularities among traders, LPG entrepreneur Azam J. Chowdhury said that the adviser’s remarks were irresponsible. He cited several challenges facing the sector, including port limitations and inadequate infrastructure.
Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defence Brigadier General Zahid Kamal said that LPG explosions cause losses of around Tk 20 crore annually, with more than 1,500 accidents occurring each year. He stressed the need to raise awareness and conduct more frequent safety training to prevent such incidents.
Speakers at the discussion emphasized that LPG must be delivered to consumers at fair prices. They also pointed out that government policies and infrastructure constraints are hindering the expansion of the LPG sector.
They suggested that regional pipeline networks could be developed to distribute LPG more efficiently.