Retailers selling cylinders for Tk 2,000–2,200 LPG gas crisis in Amtali.

Retailers selling cylinders for Tk 2,000–2,200 LPG gas crisis in Amtali. Gas cylinders sold at inflated prices. Amtali (Barguna) Correspondent. Allegations have surfaced that LPG gas cylinders are being sold at exorbitant prices in Amtali by exploiting a perceived shortage. Dealers sell the cylinders to retailers for Tk 1,800, while retailers resell them for between Tk 2,000 and Tk 2,200. Affected consumers complain that there is no oversight by the Upazila administration regarding this matter and are demanding immediate action against the syndicate involved. It is reported that the government fixed the price of LPG gas cylinders last September, setting the retail price for a 12kg cylinder at Tk 1,598. However, a syndicate in Amtali is selling these cylinders for Tk 2,000 to Tk 2,200 by citing a shortage, causing significant hardship for buyers. Consumers allege that the syndicate sells at arbitrary, inflated prices because the Upazila administration fails to take effective action against them; they are demanding immediate measures to curb this practice. Humayun Kabir, a buyer, said, "Three days ago, I purchased a 12kg gas cylinder from Talukdar Bazar for Tk 2,100. I am having to pay Tk 500 more per cylinder than the government-fixed price." Retailer Aman Ullah stated, "Dealers Ibrahim and Bachchu sell gas cylinders via van. I purchase Omera, iGas, BM, Sena, and Petromax cylinders for Tk 1,800 each and resell them with a Tk 50 markup. I am selling at a higher price because I am buying at a higher price." Ibrahim, a dealer for Petromax Gas, stated that he is selling 12kg cylinders for 1,800 Taka each. Md. Atiqur Rahman Bachchu, a dealer for Omera Gas, reported a severe gas shortage, noting that gas cylinders from only six companies are currently available in the market; these companies have raised the price by 130 Taka per cylinder. Md. Mohiuddin, a dealer for Bashundhara Gas, said that the company has not supplied gas cylinders for the past two months, so sales have been halted. Md. Rezaul, a dealer for Sena Gas, mentioned a significant shortage of LPG cylinders, noting that he hired a truck for 19,000 Taka to transport 200 cylinders from Mongla and must sell the gas by factoring in both the company's price and the transport costs. Amtali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Hasan Mohammad Hafizur Rahman stated that selling gas cylinders at prices higher than those fixed by the government is not permitted, and strict action will be taken against anyone selling at inflated prices.