A severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has hit Chattogram city over the past two weeks, leaving households and businesses struggling to find 12-kg cylinders. Despite the government-fixed price of Tk 1,253, consumers report being unable to purchase cylinders even at Tk 2,000. Visits to Bahaddarhat, Chawk Bazar, and New Market areas revealed that both retail and wholesale outlets are facing acute supply shortages, forcing many families to seek alternative fuels such as kerosene.

Traders attribute the crisis to a roughly 40 percent drop in LPG imports in December, reportedly caused by U.S. sanctions that disrupted shipping and by major importers temporarily halting operations. The LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) said companies like Bengal, Bashundhara, and United suspended imports, while banking complications prevented others from opening letters of credit. Some unscrupulous sellers are allegedly exploiting the situation by charging Tk 500–800 above the official price.

LOAB President Amirul Haque expressed optimism that government approval for new imports will normalize supply within 10–15 days. However, the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) accused importers and distributors of creating artificial shortages for profit, urging immediate government intervention.