RAJSHAHI, Jan 13: Customers in Bagha are facing severe inconvenience as LPG cylinder sales remain suspended following a nationwide announcement by the LPG Dealers' Cooperative Society.
The decision, taken to demand a price revision and end harassment of dealers, came into effect on Thursday across all upazilas, including the capital, Dhaka.
According to the cooperative, the sale and supply of all company cylinders will remain halted until their demands are met. This sudden move has left ordinary consumers in distress. Many shops remain open, but cylinders are unavailable, forcing customers to leave empty-handed. In some areas where cylinders are found, they are being sold at inflated prices, causing financial strain for buyers.
Nargis Akter, a homemaker in Amodpur Village of Bagha, said her kitchen stove has not been operational for three days. After her LPG cylinder from Bashundhara ran out, she visited several shops around her home and the local market, but none had cylinders available. "A few places had empty cylinders, but I couldn't cook properly," she said, adding that she has resorted to using a traditional clay stove with straw.
Dulal Hossain, a businessman in Millik Bagha area, said he went to Bagha market on Monday hoping to buy a cylinder but was disappointed to learn that sales were suspended. "I have been searching for the last three days in all nearby shops, but nowhere had gas. Even if I wanted to pay extra, there was nothing available," he said.
Another customer, schoolteacher Abdur Razzak, expressed frustration at the situation. "I didn't expect to face such a crisis. Without gas, cooking is impossible, and taking a hot bath has become very difficult. If I had known, I would have bought extra cylinders in advance."
Bakul, Director of Bagha market's LPG sales outlet Bakul Store, said suppliers have not been able to deliver cylinders for the past week. "Every day, customers come with empty cylinders, but we have nothing to give them. The government is currently in discussions with the LPG Dealers' Cooperative over some demands. Only after these are resolved we can resume gas supply," he said.
