Cooking Gas Crisis in Mathbaria, Ordinary People Held Hostage by Syndicates.

Mathbaria (Pirojpur) Correspondent. Allegations have surfaced that cooking gas (LPG) is being sold at inflated prices in Mathbaria, in blatant disregard of government-fixed rates. Compounding the issue is a severe supply shortage; many consumers are unable to secure a cylinder even when willing to pay the higher price. Consequently, ordinary residents and low-income families in Mathbaria Upazila, Pirojpur, are facing immense hardship.Although the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has fixed the price of a 12kg LPG cylinder at Tk 1,837, the reality on the ground is quite different. A survey of markets in Mathbaria Municipality and various unions reveals that gas is being sold at prices ranging from Tk 1,950 to Tk 2,000 or even higher—an increase of Tk 200 to Tk 300 over the regulated rate.Local consumers allege that, due to a lack of administrative oversight, a section of unscrupulous traders is creating artificial shortages and manipulating prices at will through syndicates. This is making it increasingly difficult for ordinary people visiting the market for daily essentials to manage their household expenses.Salma Akter, a housewife from Ward No. 3, lamented that even after paying a higher price, they have to make the rounds of multiple shops to secure the gas they need. However, retail traders attribute the high selling prices to irregularities in the wholesale market. According to them, they are forced to purchase cylinders at prices exceeding the rates set by the BERC—right from the dealer and wholesale levels. Many dealers are failing to supply gas at the stipulated prices. Furthermore, there has been a severe supply shortage of Bashundhara Gas over the past two months, and wholesale prices for cylinders from other companies have also risen by as much as Tk 200. Mathbaria Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ataur Rabbi stated that the Upazila administration is taking a strict stance to ensure LPG is sold at the rates fixed by the BERC. Regular market monitoring and inspection drives have already commenced. Legal action will be taken against any traders found charging prices above the stipulated rates.