Soaring LPG Prices Deepen Hardship for Lalmonirhat Residents

Aditmari upazila in Lalmonirhat has witnessed a remarkable shift over the past decade, with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders entirely replacing traditional earthen firewood stoves in the Saptibari and Sarpukur unions. Rural households initially embraced cylinder gas to escape the rising costs of firewood and the health hazards of smoke-filled kitchens. This transition brought a renewed sense of convenience and comfort to local women, quickly making clean cooking energy a household staple across the region.

However, this relief has now turned into severe anxiety due to a steep surge in fuel prices. Ekhlareshur Rahman, a retail gas cylinder vendor in the Saptibari market, noted that his monthly sales used to reach 300 to 500 cylinders after villagers overcame their initial fears of using gas. He explained that while LPG was once affordable and easily accessible, prices have nearly doubled, forcing ordinary consumers to struggle immensely to maintain their daily cooking needs.

An LPG cylinder that previously cost about 1,000 taka now requires an expenditure of 1,900 to 1,950 taka. This drastic price hike has severely squeezed low- and middle-income families, leaving them gasping for breath amidst widespread inflation. The financial burden of fueling a stove has effectively doubled, turning a basic daily necessity into an escalating source of constant household stress and financial strain.

Expressing deep frustration over the situation, local school teacher Rabindra Nath said that rising expenses have made it impossible for families to keep pace with stagnant incomes. Emphasising that cooking and eating remain essential for survival, he pointed out that lighting a fire now costs nearly 2,000 taka monthly instead of the previous 1,000 taka. He strongly urged the government to intervene and take immediate measures to reduce the retail price of gas cylinders.

Addressing the issue, Md. Sheikh Sadi, Assistant Director of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection in Lalmonirhat, stated that selling cylinders above regulated rates violates the law and permits legal action. He explained that while prices remain controlled at official dealer points, irregularities frequently occur at local retail shops. He assured that authorities are actively monitoring the field level and will take necessary punitive actions against any shopkeepers charging over the official price.