All deputy commissioners (DCs) have been instructed to take necessary measures to keep LPG supplies normal in the open market and ensure that LPG and autogas are sold at the prices set by Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), said Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday.

The government has intensified monitoring across the country to ensure the sale of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and autogas at prices fixed by the commission amid volatility in international fuel prices, he said at a press briefing held at the Secretariat on the progress of various government activities.

Fuel prices in the international market remain highly volatile, while the government is trying to adjust LPG prices accordingly, he said adding “However, there have been complaints that LPG is not available at the adjusted prices in some places,” he said.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Minister held an online meeting with the DCs and issued necessary directives in this regard, he added.

Monitoring is also being conducted in different districts through mobile courts operated by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and local administrations, he said.

“Earlier, many were fined. Now, these monitoring activities have been intensified further,” the adviser said.

The government is also holding discussions with LPG traders to improve the market situation, he said.

The energy minister has held several meetings with leaders of LPG-related businesses to review the situation, Zahed said, adding that the traders assured the minister of their cooperation in keeping the market stable.

The government hopes the current crisis in the LPG market will ease through these efforts, he said.

Zahed urged the media to highlight any complaints about LPG not being available at the government-fixed prices.

“If LPG is still unavailable at the fixed price anywhere, the media will highlight the issue in the public interest, and the government will take necessary action. LPG is an extremely essential product. In fact, it is not possible to manage without it,” the adviser said.

Sun News/ rabbi