Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud today said the government would take stern action against any attempt to hold the public hostage through market manipulation, the creation of artificial shortages or strikes over LPG.

“LPG is an essential commodity. Legal action will be taken against those responsible if the supply of this product is disrupted in a manner detrimental to the public interest,” he said.

He made the remarks at a press conference following a meeting with LPG operators at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources at the Secretariat here.

Uncertainty over fuel supplies and prices has arisen in various countries due to the ongoing war. Fuel prices in the international market remain unstable. Against this backdrop, the government is consulting stakeholders to keep LPG supplies adequate and prices at a tolerable level in the domestic market.

He said the private sector plays a direct role in LPG supply. Therefore, the government is holding discussions with operators to resolve existing market issues. Detailed discussions were held at the meeting on how to address the challenges faced by businesses and maintain market stability.

Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said the relevant authorities had been instructed to take the necessary measures to ensure price stability in the market and prevent businesses from facing undue difficulties.

He added that this was the third meeting with LPG operators. Market conditions had also been reviewed at previous meetings. Efforts were underway to identify the problems faced by businesses and find solutions. Further discussions with the concerned parties would be held on October 20. Initiatives would be taken through this process to maintain normal market conditions and ensure stability in the supply chain.

Responding to a question about the threatened strike, the minister said the government had held meetings with LPG traders and conveyed its position to them. As LPG is an essential commodity, the government would take legal action if its supply were manipulated, the public were held hostage, or strike-related activities caused public suffering.

At the press conference, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir noted that private-sector entities were involved in the supply and marketing of LPG in Bangladesh. The government sets LPG prices every month in line with international market rates, following the formula determined by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).

Discussions were held with operators on strategies to maintain stable LPG supplies both now and in the coming year. However, it was not yet appropriate to disclose the strategies formulated during the discussions.

Warning against the threatened strike at the dealer level, the commerce minister said the government would take strict action against anyone attempting to manipulate the supply of essential commodities, distort the market in a manner contrary to the public interest, or cause public hardship through threats.

Reaffirming the government's readiness to address traders' legitimate concerns, the minister said any demands or issues should be presented to the relevant authorities.

He further said the government would continue discussions with operators and dealers to maintain stability in the LPG market and ensure uninterrupted supplies. However, necessary action would be taken against anyone seeking to use these discussions as an opportunity to pursue actions contrary to the public interest.