B Mirror Report : Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports in Bangladesh have risen sharply this month compared with January, providing some relief to a market hit by weeks of supply disruptions.

Between 1 and 21 February, customs data from Chattogram and Mongla show that around 91,000 tonnes of LPG were imported, up from 63,000 tonnes during the same period in January  a 44% increase. Private jetties in Sitakunda handle an additional 20,000–22,000 tonnes per month.

Industry insiders expect further shipments from alternative markets, including Vietnam, Taiwan, and Malaysia, by the end of February, which could ease pressure and reduce prices in the coming weeks. Three tankers carrying about 10,000 tonnes are en route to Sitakunda, Chattogram, and Mongla ports, while Meghna Group of Industries has five vessels carrying 57,000 tonnes. Additional shipments are expected through early March.

Despite higher imports, consumers continue to pay well above the government-set price of Tk1,356 for a 12kg cylinder, with rates in Dhaka and Chattogram ranging from Tk1,600 to Tk1,700, and some shops charging Tk1,800–2,500, similar to peak prices during January’s crisis. Retailers cite high distributor prices and limited supply from certain companies as the cause, while distributors point to earlier import shortfalls.

On the ground in Chattogram, supply has improved slightly, but prices remain elevated, and pipeline disruptions continue to force households to rely on LPG. Traders report meeting only about 70% of daily demand in some areas, with consumers paying Tk200–300 above the official rate.

Authorities, including the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, set retail prices based on international market rates, but enforcement is weak, and consumer complaints persist. Industry representatives remain optimistic that with uninterrupted imports, prices could start to ease within the next two weeks.