Published: 12:30 AM, 20 April 2026
Second LPG price hike in 18 days, 12-kg cylinder now Tk 1,940
Global market volatility obligates fuel price adjustment: Khasru
The long wait for fuels at filling stations across the country is not coming to an end. People have to pass hours in queues to refill the fuel tanks of their vehicles. The photo was clicked from Bijoy Sarani area in the capital on Sunday. -Mostafizur Rahman, AA
Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) on Sunday adjusted the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) upward and now a 12 kilogram (Kg) LPG cylinder will be sold at Tk1,940.
"The newly fixed price of 12-kg LPG cylinder is Tk 1,940, which became effective at 6pm on April 19. All LPG marketing companies will implement the price," said BERC in an announcement.
Md Nazrul Islam Sarkar, secretary of the commission, signed the announcement saying that the prices of all the 13 different sizes of LPG-filled cylinders have been adjusted for April.
In line with the shipping fare and trader's premium charge for LPG import have been re-determined at US$250 per tonne for the interim period to maintain normal LPG supply in the country, it said.
The BERC said the LPG price was increased due to conflicting situation in the Middle East, crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, suspension of LPG shipping in the region and fuel costs in importing LPG from alternative routes/sources and increase of insurance and security costs.
The BERC adjusted the price of LPG as per the Saudi Contract Price (Saudi CP) which was $750 and $800 per tonne of the Propane and Butane. Considering the Propane and Butane ratio 35:65 average, Saudi CP per tonne $782.50, the BERC re-fixed the price of LPG and auto gas for April 2026.
As per the BERC decision, 12.5 kg LPG has been refixed at Tk 2,021 at retailer level, 15 kg at Tk 2,425, 16 kg at Tk 2,587, 18 kg at Tk 2,910, 20 kg at Tk 3,233, 22 kg at Tk 3,557, 25 kg at Tk 4,042, 30 kg at Tk 4,850, 33 kg at Tk 5,335, 35 kg at Tk 5,658 and 45 kg at Tk7,275.
The BERC also re-fixed auto gas price at Tk 89.50 per litre, while per kilogram of LPG at reticulated stage at Tk157.91 at retailer level inclusive VAT owned by private sector and Tk 351 per cubic metre of supplied LPG in gas system owned by private sector.
Meanwhile, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday clarified that the adjustment in domestic fuel prices was necessitated by global market volatility rather than conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
"The Bangladesh government delayed increasing prices as long as possible to protect the interests of its citizens, despite facing pressure as national funds were being depleted," he said.
The minister made these remarks while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Finance in the city.
Amir Khasru Mahmud emphasized that oil prices have surged worldwide, citing examples that prices doubled in the United States and rose by 25% in Sri Lanka.
The minister categorically said that there is no relationship between the IMF and the decision to raise fuel prices.
He explained that the decision was made independently to manage the upcoming budget and alleviate the immense pressure on the national treasury.
"We have increased it by a very negligible amount compared to the rest of the world," the minister remarked, adding that the adjustment was crucial to keeping other economic programs running.
Regarding the status of loans and cooperation, he described the discussions with the IMF, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) as an ongoing process.
The minister stressed that as a democratically elected government, the administration is bound by its promises to the people.
He asserted that the government would not accept any conditions that create undue pressure on the public or the business community.
"We will not take any decision that hinders the protection of public interests," he said, noting that the current programme with the IMF was initiated under a previous administration and will conclude in six to seven months.
Addressing concerns over inflation, the Minister suggested that while oil prices are a factor, they are only a small part of the overall economic basket.
He argued that inflation is heavily dependent on supply and demand dynamics.
By maintaining adequate oil reserves and ensuring a steady supply, he said, the government aims to mitigate the impact on the public.
The minister expressed confidence in continued international support, noting that heads of the World Bank and ADB are scheduled to visit Bangladesh.
He highlighted that these multilateral bodies are aligned with the government's election manifesto and are keen to work as partners in the country's development.
He also pointed out that social welfare initiatives, such as the 'Family Card' have been highly praised by international donors for effectively delivering economic benefits to the grassroots level.
