LPG importers propose doubling to tripling commissions

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) is holding a public hearing on proposals to increase liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices and raise commissions for businesses involved in its distribution. The hearing began at the BIAM auditorium in Eskaton, Dhaka, on Thursday (October 29).

At the hearing, LPG importers proposed increasing their existing commissions by two to two-and-a-half times, while distributors sought a threefold increase.

Applications submitted to BERC show that, for a 12kg LPG cylinder, Omera proposed raising its commission from Tk191 to Tk478, Petromax to Tk349, Delta to Tk360 and Meghna Group to Tk300.

Meanwhile, distributors proposed increasing their commission from Tk50 to Tk150, while retailers sought a rise from Tk45 to Tk70.

There are 30 registered companies involved in the LPG import business in Bangladesh, of which six regularly import LPG. In addition, 12 companies collect gas from importers and bottle it at their own plants.