LPG Shortage Forces Autogas Stations to Halt Operations, Owners Warn

Autogas stations supplying LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) for vehicles are struggling amid the ongoing LPG shortage. According to the owners, around 1,000 autogas stations provide LPG to vehicles nationwide, with a monthly demand of approximately 15,000 tons. However, irregular supply is threatening the operations of many stations.

The Bangladesh LPG Autogas Station & Conversion Workshop Owners Association highlighted the crisis at a press conference on Saturday at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity auditorium. The written statement, titled “Negative Impact of LPG Shortage on the Transport Sector”, was read aloud by the association’s president, Md. Sirajul Mawla, while General Secretary Md. Hasin Parvez was also present.

The statement noted that the ongoing LPG shortage has gone beyond a commercial problem. It is now directly affecting the country’s transport system, consumer interests, fuel security, and the daily lives of ordinary citizens. Due to the severe shortage, nearly all LPG autogas stations across the country have effectively ceased operations, impacting over 150,000 LPG-powered vehicles. Vehicle owners and drivers are facing significant hardship, often spending hours moving from station to station without receiving fuel.

According to the association, Bangladesh consumes around 140,000 tons of LPG per month, but only 10% of that is used for vehicles as autogas. This supply is currently insufficient. The association has repeatedly requested the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to ensure consistent monthly delivery. They warned that if this supply is not stabilized, the environmentally friendly, cost-effective LPG autogas industry could collapse.

The statement further highlighted the severe financial strain on station owners, who are unable to cover employee salaries, bank loan installments, and daily operating costs due to prolonged closures. To address the crisis, the association has presented six demands to the government, including urgent measures to normalize and ensure adequate LPG imports.