The Energy Division has taken five separate measures to address the ongoing shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), a move that could lead to higher imports and gradually ease supply pressure in the market.

However, importers say it may still take some time before the shortage fully improves. Meanwhile, LPG traders have begun a strike in protest against current conditions. From Thursday, they announced a halt to the sale of LPG cylinders across parts of the country.

Sources in the Energy Division said emergency steps have already been initiated to boost LPG imports. Letters have been sent to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) requesting a reduction in duties, and to Bangladesh Bank seeking faster processing of loans and letters of credit (LCs). On Thursday, the ministry is also set to formally ask the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to approve increased import volumes for five companies.

The LPG Dealers’ Cooperative Society Limited announced on Wednesday that it would stop supplying and selling LPG cylinders nationwide until its demands are met. The organization plays a major role in LPG cylinder distribution.

Reports from the field show that LPG sales have been suspended since morning in Dhaka, Gazipur, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj, while sales continue in several other districts.

A meeting between BERC and representatives of the LPG Dealers’ Cooperative Society is scheduled for later today. A new decision on LPG sales is expected following the talks. The traders have stated that sales will resume only if their demands are accepted; otherwise, the shutdown will continue.

The Energy Division moved quickly after a media report earlier this week highlighted that traders had failed to secure permission to increase LPG imports.

Mohammad Amirul Haque, president of the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB), said supply cannot increase immediately, but steps are already underway to raise imports. He expressed optimism that the market situation would improve soon.

Key measures taken by the Energy Division include:

1. Requesting Bangladesh Bank to expedite loan approvals and LC opening procedures for LPG importers.

2. Asking the National Board of Revenue to lower VAT on LPG, considering it a cleaner fuel. The proposal includes cutting import-stage VAT from 15 percent to 10 percent and withdrawing the 7.5 percent VAT at the production stage.

3. Recommending that BERC approve higher import limits for Omera, Meghna, Jamuna, United I Gas, and Delta following applications submitted by these companies.

4. Urging district and upazila administrations, through the Cabinet Division and the Ministry of Home Affairs, to conduct regular mobile courts to prevent artificial shortages.

5. Ordering ministry officials to inspect LPG storage facilities near Chattogram and Mongla ports to assess actual import volumes and identify the real condition of the supply chain, from importers to distributors, dealers, and retailers.