Lakshmipur: Gas sold at Tk 2,100 in violation of government rates, general consumers are confused by syndicate

After visiting various upazilas of Lakshmipur district and talking to local consumers, it was found that there is extreme anarchy in the LPG gas cylinder market. Although the government has set the price of 1800 taka per cylinder, some unscrupulous traders and dealer syndicates are not adhering to it. In various markets of the district, LPG gas weighing 12 kg is being sold for 2100 taka—which is about 300 taka more than the set price. Due to this excessive price in the retail and wholesale markets, the general lower and middle class buyers of the district are facing extreme financial...

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After visiting various upazilas of Lakshmipur district and talking to local consumers, it was found that there is extreme anarchy in the LPG gas cylinder market. Although the government has set the price of 1800 taka per cylinder, some unscrupulous traders and dealer syndicates are not adhering to it. In various markets of the district, LPG gas weighing 12 kg is being sold for 2100 taka—which is about 300 taka more than the set price.

Due to this excessive price in the retail and wholesale markets, the general lower and middle class buyers of the district are facing extreme financial crisis. In the high-priced market for daily necessities, this excessive price of gas has become a serious blow to their livelihood.

Allegations and on-the-spot images:

A visit to retail shops and dealer points in various markets of Lakshmipur Sadar, Ramganj, Raipur, Kamalnagar and Ramgati upazilas has shown that most of the shops do not display the government-set price list. When buyers go to buy gas, traders are charging them Tk 2,100 to Tk 2,200 per cylinder, citing various excuses.

The victims, ordinary consumers, complain that a group is charging this extra price by creating an artificial crisis without paying any attention to any rules. A consumer who did not want to be named expressed his anger and said, “While the government rate is 1800 taka, we are forced to buy gas for 2100 taka. When we protested, the shop said there was no gas, and it was returned.”

Demand for increased supervision of the administration:

Local conscious circles and prominent citizens say that unscrupulous traders have become so reckless due to the lack of regular operations and strict monitoring by mobile courts. They have demanded that the district administration and the National Consumer Rights Protection Department immediately take strict legal action against these dealers and unscrupulous traders.

The residents of Lakshmipur are seeking immediate concrete action from the concerned authorities in this regard, so that the common people can easily buy gas at the fixed price.