Bangladesh Hikes LPG Prices by 212 Taka Amid Global Energy Crisis and Hormuz Blockade
DHAKA — The private sector liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices in Bangladesh have surged for the second time in a single month, driven by skyrocketing shipping costs and supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz blockade.
The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced on Sunday, April 19, 2026, that the price of the widely used 12kg LPG cylinder has increased by 212 Taka, bringing the new retail price to 1,940 Taka, up from 1,728 Taka. This marks a significant 12% jump in just two weeks, following a massive 387 Taka hike at the start of April.
The Hormuz Impact: A Global Crisis
The primary driver for this spike is the volatility in the Middle East. With the Strait of Hormuz—a transit point for 20% of the world’s oil and gas—effectively blocked due to regional conflict, international shipping and insurance rates have tripled.
Bangladesh, which relies heavily on imports of Propane and Butane based on the Saudi Aramco Contract Price (CP), has been forced to adjust domestic rates to keep pace with the "Saudi Cargo Price" and the rising cost of the U.S. Dollar.
Global Comparison: How Other Nations are Reacting
Bangladesh is not alone in this struggle. The energy shock has triggered similar or even steeper price hikes across both Asian and Western markets this month:
| Country | LPG Price Change (April 2026) | Driving Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | +212 BDT (approx. $1.80) per 12kg | Import costs & Hormuz shipping surcharges. |
| Pakistan | +923 PKR (approx. $3.30) per 11.8kg | Severe currency devaluation + energy infrastructure strikes. |
| Philippines | +220 PHP (approx. $3.90) per 11kg | Double-digit per-kilo hike cited by Petron & Solane. |
| India | +218 INR (Commercial) / Domestic Stable | While domestic rates are frozen, commercial gas jumped sharply. |
| USA | +30% average increase (approx. $4/gallon) | Domestic gas prices hit 2026 highs due to crude oil surge. |
| Germany/EU | +18% Surge in Natural Gas | Rapid shift to emergency reserves as LNG shipments from Qatar are stranded. |
Local Market Challenges in Bangladesh
Despite the official BERC rates, consumers in Dhaka and other regions report that retailers often charge well above the fixed price, citing "supply shortages."
While the private sector prices continue to climb, the Bangladesh government has kept the price of state-supplied 12.5kg cylinders unchanged at 825 Taka. However, these government-issued cylinders represent only a small fraction of the total market supply, leaving the vast majority of households vulnerable to private market volatility.
Auto Gas, used primarily in vehicles, has also seen a steep rise, moving from 79.77 Taka to 89.50 Taka per liter, further impacting transportation costs for the general public.
