Faridpur:Consumers in Faridpur are experiencing significant financial pressure as they are forced to buy liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders at prices Tk 200 to Tk 500 above the government-fixed rate. This issue is adding to the financial burden of households and small businesses already struggling with increasing costs.
According to United News of Bangladesh, residents in various upazilas, including Nagarkanda, Bhanga, Saltha, and Madhukhali, report that LPG cylinders are being sold significantly above the official prices in both urban and remote markets. Despite availability, many retailers are not adhering to the government-set rates, with some cylinders priced between Tk 2,000 and Tk 2,500.
The inflated prices are hitting low- and middle-income families hardest, as they rely on LPG for cooking. Residents and business owners in Faridpur have expressed concerns over the rising costs of essential commodities, which are leaving little room to manage additional expenses.
Small businesses, particularly those in the food industry, are also feeling the impact. Hotel and restaurant owners, along with food shop and tea stall operators, report that their operating costs have risen due to higher LPG prices, yet their revenues have not increased correspondingly. This has led to fears of further financial strain, with some businesses considering closure if the situation persists.
Retailers have attributed the price hikes to inadequate supply and increased procurement costs due to transportation and other expenses. However, consumers argue that supply issues should not justify breaching government-fixed prices and are calling for more frequent monitoring and enforcement by authorities.
In response, Faridpur's Additional District Magistrate Susmita Saha announced that upazila nirbahi officers and executive magistrates have been instructed to oversee market prices. Legal action will be taken if evidence shows retailers selling LPG above the set prices.