File photo

DHAKA, April 9, 2026 (BSS) - In a sweeping bid to curb market volatility and protect consumer interests, the Ministry of Commerce has unleashed a coordinated nationwide crackdown on the overpricing of edible oil and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders. 

In a series of urgent directives issued on Tuesday, the Ministry mobilized the Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection (DNCRP) and all Deputy Commissioners to launch immediate enforcement drives and initiate strict legal measures against those flouting government-mandated rates.

The Ministry noted that despite established price ceilings, essential commodities continue to be traded at inflated rates in various markets.

The Ministry has provided a clear mandate to administrative officials to conduct drives and take necessary legal measures to restore market discipline.

In an effort to ensure total administrative synchronization, the memos were distributed to the highest levels of government and industry, signaling that the state is no longer tolerating price manipulation under the guise of global volatility.

In a proactive response to the Ministry's April 7 directives, the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) today issued a statement signed by its President, Mohammad Amirul Haque. 

The association attempted to distance manufacturers from the current market instability, asserting supply-side compliance while pointing toward retail-level volatility.

Mohammad Amirul Haque mentioned that LPG operators are consistently supplying cylinders at government-mandated prices directly from their bottling plants.

He argued that the price discrepancies occur after the product leaves the factory gates, leaving consumers to face inflated costs at the end-user level.

Consequently, LOAB has issued a stern appeal for price adherence to the intermediaries including distributors and retailers.

Framing the issue as a matter of moral responsibility, LOAB stated that industry-wide compliance is essential to mitigate public suffering during the current global energy crisis.