Price of 12kg LPG cylinder cut by Tk 13

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has reduced the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for September amid the ongoing pipeline gas crisis. 

The price has been cut by Tk 1.3 per kg, bringing the cost of the widely used 12kg cylinder down by Tk 13 to Tk 1,585 from Tk 1,598.

The new rates take effect from 6pm on Wednesday.

In July, a 12kg cylinder cost Tk 1,528. After rising by Tk 70 in August, the slight reduction this month still leaves consumers paying Tk 57 more than in July. The pipeline gas shortage has increased reliance on LPG for cooking, with the price changes directly affecting middle-class household budgets.

BERC said the average Saudi Contract Price (CP) for September, based on the 35:65 propane-butane ratio announced by Saudi Aramco, stands at $647.75 per metric tonne. 

Prices were adjusted after factoring in shipping charges, traders’ premiums and the average exchange rate of Tk 123.30 per US dollar.

Under the revised rates, other cylinder sizes are priced as follows: 5.5kg at Tk 727, 12.5kg at Tk 1,652, 15kg at Tk 1,982, 16kg at Tk 2,113, 18kg at Tk 2,378, 20kg at Tk 2,642, 22kg at Tk 2,907, 25kg at Tk 3,303, 30kg at Tk 3,964, 33kg at Tk 4,360, 35kg at Tk 4,624 and 45kg at Tk 5,945.

Autogas for vehicles has been reduced to Tk 73.9 per litre, while reticulated LPG is set at Tk 128.37 per kg. 

The price of a 12.5kg cylinder from government companies remains unchanged at Tk 776.93.

Since April 2021, BERC has fixed LPG prices monthly in line with international propane and butane prices (Saudi CP) and the dollar exchange rate. 

The commission reiterated that no higher price than the official rate may be charged at any stage—bulk, bottling, distribution or retail—amid long-standing complaints that LPG is often sold above the fixed price.