Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday strongly condemned the government’s decision to increase the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and autogas in the private sector, expressing concern over its impact on public life and industrial production.

In a statement, the party’s Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said LPG is an essential daily commodity and any price hike would significantly impact people’s lives.

“It is very difficult for lower- and middle-income groups to bear the additional cost. The government has increased gas prices without considering the purchasing power of the people, which goes against public interest,” he said.

He warned that the decision would raise production costs in both small and large industries, which could lead to higher prices of essential commodities, directly affecting consumers.

Golam Parwar urged the government to reverse the decision and take effective steps to increase imports or production to stabilise prices.

He said the increase in private sector LPG prices by Tk 32.30 per kg at the consumer level is unprecedented. As a result, the price of a 12kg cylinder — the most widely used in the market — has risen to Tk 1,728, up from Tk 1,341 last month, marking an increase of Tk 387.

He also said the price of autogas has increased significantly at the consumer level. For April, the price of autogas, including VAT, has been raised by Tk 17.94 per litre, up from Tk 61.83 in March.

The Jamaat leader said the increase in autogas prices would have a major impact on the transport sector, putting additional financial pressure on people.

He called on the government to consider the overall situation and take immediate steps to ease the burden on the public.