The announcement was made at a press conference held at the National Press Club in the capital on Monday (October 12). Selim Khan said traders are repeatedly being harassed over gas prices and supply. In protest against this, it has been decided to keep shops closed for two days.
At the press conference, the association's general secretary Nasiruddin Nasim alleged that the marketing of LPG cylinders is held hostage by only five companies. He also alleged that due to the influence of these companies, LPG prices are being increased unilaterally.
It may be mentioned that last October 4, the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) increased the price of a 12 kg LPG cylinder by Tk 252 and set it at Tk 1,837. Prices of cylinders of other weights were also increased.
However, traders and consumers allege that LPG is not available everywhere at the fixed price. To buy a 12 kg cylinder, in some places one has to pay between Tk 2,000 and Tk 2,400.
