Dhaka: Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has sought government permission to enhance the import of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) against the backdrop of soaring demand and ensure its uninterrupted supply, officials said today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BPC officials revealed that their Chairman, Md Amin Ul Ahsan, sent a letter to the Energy Division earlier this week. The letter requested government approval for increased imports to address the rising demand for LPG and stabilize its price. This move by BPC comes in response to the current scenario of soaring LPG prices and shortages affecting consumers across the country.
The imported LPG is distributed by private operators. BPC officials highlighted in the letter the corporation’s willingness to develop necessary infrastructure such as jetties, pipelines, and storage tanks alongside existing government LPG facilities for efficient unloading and storage.
In collaboration with the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB), BPC plans to prepare an updated list of operators, determine the import volume, set prices, and finalize unloading and distribution processes. This strategic approach aims to streamline the supply chain and address the current LPG demand.
BPC officials also mentioned that there have been instances when they imported LPG by inviting quotations from suppliers under a government-to-government (G-to-G) arrangement to meet demand spikes or supply shortages. “Following the previous policy, the BPC could invite LPG price quotations from LPG suppliers, refinery industries, and other related organizations under the G-to-G method,” a BPC official stated.
Currently, Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL) meets only 1.33 percent of the country’s LPG demand. Consequently, direct imports are essential to address the crisis and ensure a competitive and sustainable supply of LPG across Bangladesh.