The National Citizen Party (NCP) held a symbolic march toward Petrobangla in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar on Saturday, carrying empty pots and pans to protest a proposed gas price increase amid an acute supply crisis. The Dhaka North unit warned that it would blockade the Petrobangla building if authorities moved to raise prices, preventing officials from entering or leaving. The march began at SAARC Fountain and ended at the gate of the Petrobangla building.

At the rally, NCP senior joint convener Ariful Islam Adib alleged that Petrobangla and Titas had become institutions of plunder. He said gas shortages were preventing families from cooking and warned of a broader movement seeking the resignation of the energy minister and other relevant people if the crisis was not resolved quickly. Abdullah Al Mansur said people would surround gas offices if the shortage remained unresolved by August 10.

Petrobangla has sought policy approval to propose a 67 percent price increase for gas used in electricity generation and a 51 percent increase for CNG used in transport. Its letter also mentioned higher distribution charges for six gas distribution companies. If approved, an application would be submitted to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, followed by a public hearing and decision.