Dhaka: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has issued a strong condemnation of the government’s recent decision to raise the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and autogas in the private sector, expressing concerns about the potential repercussions on public life and industrial production. The party highlighted the financial strain this decision could impose on citizens and the economy.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the party’s Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar released a statement emphasizing that LPG is a vital commodity for daily use, and any price increase would have a significant impact on people’s lives. He pointed out that the additional costs would be particularly challenging for lower- and middle-income groups to manage. Parwar criticized the government’s lack of consideration for the population’s purchasing power, arguing that the price hike contradicts public interest.
He further cautioned that the increased costs would lead to higher production expenses in both small and large industries, potentially resulting in a rise in the prices of essential commodities, which would directly affect consumers. Golam Parwar urged the government to reverse the decision and to seek effective ways to boost imports or production to stabilize prices.
The statement highlighted the unprecedented rise in private sector LPG prices, with an increase of Tk 32.30 per kg at the consumer level. Consequently, the price of a 12kg cylinder, the most commonly used in the market, has surged to Tk 1,728, an increase of Tk 387 from the previous month’s price of Tk 1,341. Additionally, the price of autogas has risen significantly, with an increase of Tk 17.94 per litre, bringing the price to Tk 61.83 in March.
Golam Parwar noted that the rise in autogas prices would severely impact the transport sector, placing additional financial pressure on the public. He called on the government to assess the overall situation and take immediate measures to alleviate the financial burden on the people.