Energy security is often described as the lifeblood of a nation. Without a stable supply of fuel, no society can secure education, healthcare, food, or housing. For Bangladesh, as for many other countries, energy is inseparable from national security.
the question before us today is not whether LPG matters, but whether we are prepared to manage it wisely and sustainably. LPG’s Proven Role in Global Energy Security Around the world, diverse fuels-coal, liquid fuel, solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery-backed power-have been explored. Yet none have fully guaranteed energy security in the way LPG has. Over the last 50 to 70 years, LPG has consistently provided stability, especially across South and Southeast Asia.
in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, LPG is now widely accepted as a household and industrial fuel.
in Bangladesh, LPG consumption has grown rapidly, now reaching about 1.3- 1.5 million tonnes annually, with the potential to expand to 3 million tonnes in the near future.
this growth is not a luxury-it is a necessity.
the government cannot indefinitely rely on subsidized natural gas and LNG, which still demand heavy subsidies even when sold at a mixed price.
if even a fraction of these subsidies were redirected to LPG, rural and western regions-areas excluded from pipeline gas-would experience far stronger energy security.
the Missing Piece: A Long-Term Policy While Bangladesh has a basic LPG policy, it lacks a comprehensive longterm roadmap.
energy security cannot be left to short-term improvisation. Such a strategy must cover the entire supply chain: import facilities, bottling, distribution, retail, and consumer usage. It must set enforceable safety standards and create an investment-friendly framework aligned with international practices.
this cannot be achieved in isolation.
the government must sit with stakeholders- industry operators, regulators, and consumer representatives-to design a policy that is forward-looking, structured, and globally credible. have maintained strong records, accidents occur at the consumer end, caused by faulty valves, poor-quality piping, and user error.
the problem is compounded by a lack of awareness. Many households simply do not know how to safely turn LPG on or off, and this ignorance has led to avoidable tragedies.
even more alarming is the rampant practice of cross-filling-an illegal, unsafe, and short-sighted activity that continues openly.
this is not just a regulatory lapse; it is a looming disaster. A single explosion could wipe out lives and investment confidence in one stroke. Unless the government cracks down decisively on cross-filling and holds violators accountable, the future of the sector will remain fragile. Pricing: Stability Requires Partnership Price control is another major issue.
in neighboring India, subsidies ensure that LPG is affordable for ordinary households. Bangladesh, by contrast, imposes taxes and VAT, making LPG more expensive while leaving private operators to subsidize consumers from their own pockets.
this imbalance is unsustainable.
at present, prices are regulated under the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) guidelines. While this framework has so far been accepted, it cannot remain static.
an annual joint review between BERC and the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) should be institutionalized. Such coordination would allow adjustments to reflect global price shifts while ensuring that both consumers and investors are protected. Consumer Protection and Awareness Long-term planning must go beyond infrastructure.
it must address the human side of energy security. Bottling plants may remain accident-free, but the last mile is where danger lies. Without robust safety education, consumers will continue to bear unnecessary risks.
a national safety policy, developed with joint input from consumers and suppliers, is urgently required. Public campaigns must teach safe handling practices, while suppliers must be held accountable for quality valves, piping, and installation. Investment in distribution networks must be matched by investment in trust, knowledge, and consumer confidence. LPG in the Age of Renewables Some argue that LPG is not renewable and therefore not part of the future.
this is shortsighted. LPG may not be solar or wind, but it is a relatively clean fuel compared to coal and heavy oils.
in Bangladesh, renewable energy production remains minimal: solar is far below targets, wind contributes almost nothing, and hydropower provides only about 60 megawatts. Nuclear is emerging, but slowly.
until these sources scale up, LPG will remain a transitional fuel-bridging the gap between immediate needs and a renewable future.
to make this transition just and inclusive, Bangladesh must reform VAT and taxation, introduce targeted subsidies for low-income households (modeled after India’s Aadhaar-linked system), and ensure that no region is left behind.
a Call to Action The path forward is clear. Bangladesh must: l Enforce safety standards, with zero tolerance for cross-filling. l Reform tax and VAT policies to lower consumer costs. l Redirect subsidies from LNG toward LPG for rural energy security. l Institutionalize annual price reviews with BERC and LOAB. l Launch national safety campaigns to empower consumers. l Promote energy efficiency alongside expansion.
energy security is not simply about fuel.
it is about dignity, stability, and opportunity. Bangladesh cannot afford a piecemeal approach.
a long-term, inclusive LPG policy is no longer optional-it is essential.
if policymakers act with urgency and vision, LPG will not only meet today’s demand but also secure tomorrow’s promise: a nation where every household, rich or poor, urban or rural, enjoys the stability and safety of reliable energy.