LPG Shortage Hits Saidpur: Cylinders Scarce Despite High Prices

An artificial gas crisis has gripped Saidpur in Nilphamari district, where LPG cylinders have suddenly vanished from the local market following illegal price hiking and severe supply hoarding by dealers and distributors. Although the government-capped retail price for an LPG cylinder is around BDT 1,300, sellers in Saidpur are demanding BDT 1,900 to BDT 2,100 per unit. Cylinders that were previously displayed across grocery stores, tea stalls, Flexiload outlets, and street corners have completely disappeared, leaving residents unable to buy gas even at inflated rates.

The severe shortage has halted daily life across households, hotels, restaurants, and local businesses in the city. Affected consumers expressed extreme distress, with resident Zorina Khatun from Sahebpara and housewife Jusia Akhtar from Munsipara noting that cylinders remain entirely out of reach despite their willingness to pay extra. Retailers reported that distributors are withholding fresh stocks even when offered higher prices, while major brands like Bashundhara, Jamuna, and JMI are entirely missing from supplier depots.

Local organization leaders have openly criticized the market manipulation and called for swift administrative action. Atiar Rahman, representative of the Bangladesh Hotel and Restaurant Owners’ Association, stated on Thursday, ‘Saidpur is experiencing a severe gas crisis, and cylinders remain unavailable even at elevated rates’. Echoing similar concerns, a leader of the Saidpur Bus-Minibus Workers’ Union alleged, ‘There are several company dealers in Saidpur who had substantial stock in their depots. Where did all this gas suddenly go? They have manipulated the market and hoarded the supply. Drives conducted at their warehouses will easily expose the truth’.

In response to the crisis, dealers have offered only brief ‘no stock’ replies, with some locking up warehouses to avoid public scrutiny. Meanwhile, local citizens and consumer advocacy groups have demanded immediate market monitoring and mobile court drives against illegal hoarding, overcharging, and sales without cash receipts. They warned that without prompt administrative oversight, the deliberate supply bottleneck will worsen the suffering of residents and stall economic activity across Saidpur.