Members of Coast Guard (CG) and Bangladesh Navy rescued 31 people from a lighter vessel that caught fire at Kutubdia Point in the Bay of Bengal early Sunday, said authorities. Lieutenant Shakib Mehbub, an official of the east zone of the CG in Kutubdia, confirmed the matter saying that crews and other staffs of the vessel jumped off the vessel in the sea after it caught fire around 1am. Later, the floating crew and others were rescued, he said. Read: Kalurghat Bridge struck by lighter vessel carried by strong current in Karnaphuli Earlier, the anchored vessel carrying Liquefied National Gas (LNG) caught fire following an explosion at Kutubdia Point. Mohammad Shahadat Hossain, acting Kutubdia upazila nirbahi officer, said that they informed the higher authorities, Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard. Read more: Lighter vessel carrying goods sinks in Ctg’s Karnaphuli River Locals said the ‘B-LPG Sofia’ vessel caught fire with a big bang when it was at the outer anchorage of the Chittagong Port around 1am.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is used for cooking in many urban and rural households in Bangladesh. Gas cylinder safety is paramount in every household. Neglecting safety measures can lead to catastrophic consequences including death and burn injuries. Understanding the importance of proper gas cylinder handling and storage is crucial in preventing accidents. Let’s delve into essential safety measures to prevent LPG cylinder-related accidents. How to Use LPG Gas Cylinder Safely at Home  Proper Storage of Gas Cylinders When storing gas cylinders, it is crucial to keep them upright in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat. This helps prevent the risk of overheating or ignition.  Additionally, one should ensure that the cylinders are securely positioned to avoid any accidental tipping, which could lead to leaks or damage. Proper storage practices are essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of gas cylinders in the home.  Read more: Why Fire Safety Audit is Essential for Commercial Buildings Purchase from an Authorised Distributor When purchasing LPG cylinders, it is crucial to buy from authorised distributors to ensure quality and safety.  Before placing an order, it is advisable to verify the agency's authorisation status online. This step helps consumers ensure that they are purchasing genuine and certified cylinders from trusted sources, enhancing safety standards in their homes.  Regular Maintenance Checks Regular maintenance checks are vital for ensuring the safety of gas cylinders at home. Certified technicians should conduct periodic inspections to identify any leaks or signs of damage.  Prompt detection of issues allows for timely repairs or replacement of faulty cylinders and reduces the risk of accidents. By prioritising regular maintenance, households can minimise the chances of gas leaks or cylinder malfunctions, thus safeguarding the well-being of occupants and property. Read more: Fire Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe Safe Handling Practices Safe handling practices are paramount when dealing with gas cylinders. It is essential to handle them with care, avoiding rough treatment or dropping that could lead to damage or leaks. When transporting cylinders, use appropriate equipment to ensure stability and minimise the risk of accidents.  Also, avoid dragging cylinders across the floor, as this could cause abrasions or compromise their integrity. By adhering to safe handling practices, individuals can mitigate potential hazards.  Ensuring Adequate Ventilation Ensuring adequate ventilation is essential, particularly in confined areas where gas cylinders are stored or used. Proper airflow plays a vital role in dispersing any leaked gas, preventing its accumulation, and reducing the risk of ignition.  By maintaining sufficient ventilation, households can enhance safety levels and minimise the likelihood of hazardous situations arising from gas leaks. Prioritising ventilation measures are integral to creating a safer environment when dealing with gas cylinders at home.  Read more: Fire Safety in Apartments: Causes and Prevention Checking for Leaks Before using a gas cylinder, it is essential to conduct a leak test to ensure safety. A simple method is to apply a solution of soapy water to the cylinder valve and connections. If bubbles form, it indicates a leak.  In such cases, the cylinder should not be used until the leak is rectified by a qualified technician. Regularly checking for leaks helps prevent potential hazards and ensures the safe use of gas cylinders in households.  Proper Installation of Gas Appliances Proper installation of gas appliances is crucial for safety. It is recommended to hire certified technicians to install gas appliances, adhering to manufacturer guidelines. Improper installation may result in gas leaks or malfunctions, posing significant risks to occupants.  Certified technicians have the expertise to ensure correct installation, reducing the likelihood of hazards. By prioritising professional installation, households can enhance safety levels in their homes.  Read more: Workplace Fire Safety: 12 Effective Ways to Prevent Fire Hazards Emergency Procedures In the event of a gas leak, swift action is essential for safety. Firstly, turn off the cylinder valve to stop the gas flow. Next, open windows and doors to ventilate the area, helping to disperse the gas. It is significant to evacuate the premises immediately and move to a safe location outdoors.  If the situation escalates or there is a risk of fire or explosion, contact emergency services without delay for professional assistance. Prioritising quick and decisive action can prevent potential accidents and protect lives.  Educating Family Members Ensuring that all family members are well-informed about gas cylinder safety is paramount. Children, in particular, should be educated on the importance of not meddling with gas appliances and being able to identify the signs of a gas leak.  By instilling this knowledge, households can empower everyone to recognise potential hazards and take appropriate action, thereby fostering a safer environment for all occupants. Education plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and promoting responsible behaviour when dealing with gas cylinders at home.  Read more: Car Fire Safety: Common Causes and Immediate Things to Do Importance of Professional Assistance Seeking professional assistance for gas-related tasks is crucial to upholding safety standards and regulatory compliance. Certified technicians possess the expertise and training to handle installations, repairs, and maintenance of gas appliances and cylinders.  Entrusting these tasks to professionals minimises the risk of errors or safety hazards, ensuring the well-being of occupants. By adhering to professional standards, households can maintain the integrity of their gas systems and mitigate the potential for accidents or incidents arising from improper handling or maintenance.  Safety Tips for Cooking with Gas When using gas stoves for cooking, prioritise kitchen ventilation to disperse any gas fumes effectively. Never leave the stove unattended while cooking to prevent potential accidents.  Additionally, avoid wearing loose clothing that could easily catch fire, and ensure that flammable objects are kept at a safe distance from the stove.  Read more: School Fire Hazard Safety: Essential preventive measures to minimise risk Final Words In numerous households in Bangladesh, LPG cylinder is used for cooking. Therefore, the safety issue of LPG cylinders is non-negotiable. By following these precautions and guidelines while using gas cylinders, households can minimise the risk of fire hazards and ensure safer cooking environments.

In an update from the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has been adjusted upwards by Tk 0.66, setting the new rate at Tk 123.52 per kg, up from the previous Tk 122.86. This price change is effective from 6 pm on Sunday (March 03, 2024), indicating a slight increase in household and commercial expenses. BERC, at a press briefing today, detailed the adjustment, noting that the price for a standard 12 kg LPG cylinder will now be Tk 1482, inclusive of VAT, marking an increase from the previous Tk 1474. This adjustment follows a rational scale across various LPG cylinder sizes, ranging from 5.5 kg to 45 kg, addressing the need for a proportional price revision across different consumer segments. Read more: Gas shortage hits many areas in capital city Furthermore, the price for “auto gas,” the LPG variant used in motor vehicles, has also seen a revision, now priced at Tk 68.05 per litre, including VAT, a slight increase from Tk 67.68. This adjustment reflects the broader impact of LPG price changes on transportation and related costs. Notably, LPG prices marketed by the state-owned LP Gas Company will remain unchanged. This exception is attributed to its local production and the company’s minimal market share, which is less than 5 percent. The decision to adjust LPG prices comes in the wake of rising costs in the international market, specifically tied to the increase in the Saudi CP (contract price), which serves as a benchmark for local operators importing LPG primarily from the Middle East. Read more: LPG price hiked again; 12 kg cylinder to cost Tk 1433

Many areas of the capital city Dhaka city have been hit by a gas shortage causing problems for the consumers. The situation may worsen in the coming winter as no necessary measure is in sight to address the problem.  According to official sources, the areas which have been severely suffering most due to the crisis include vast area of Mirpur and Mohammadpur, Basabo, old part of city, specially Lalbagh and Chawkbazar, Segunbagicha, Tejgaon, Dhanmondi and Gulshan. Residents in these areas alleged that they don’t get adequate gas during the day time. “In most of the time, we have to cook our meal during midnight when gas flow is found to be a little bit better. Otherwise, we need to use LPG as an alternative to piped-gas", said Taslima Begum, a resident in the Green Road area of Dhanmondi. Read: US eases oil, gas and gold sanctions on Venezuela after electoral roadmap signed “We have to spend a good amount of money for using LPG alongside paying to Titas Gas as consumers of its piped gas”, she told UNB this week. Halima Aktar, another Titas consumer living in Mohammadpur echoed the same, saying that she has to cook in the might as gas is not available from morning to 10 pm.      An employee of National Press Club noted that in most of the days in day-time the club has to face very low pressure in the gas pipe that disrupts normal cooking. Similar allegations of no gas supply in day time or low pressure in the gas line are being received from the consumers in different parts of the capital. Confirming the allegations, Md. Emam Uddin Sheikh, general manager of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited, said that the gas supply situation in Dhaka and adjoining areas is very much part of the country’s overall supply condition. Read: Gas supply to remain off for 7 hours in parts of capital Thursday “The country has a shortage of more than 1000 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMCFD) against the overall demand for 4000 MMCFD”, he told UNB. He informed that Titas Gas, which is responsible for gas supply to Dhaka and adjoining districts, now receives 1400-1500 MMCFD gas against a demand for 1800 MMCFD meaning a shortage of 300-400 MMCFD gas. However, official data of Petrobangla, the state-owned upstream organisation in the gas sector, shows that the country produces 2663.5 MMCFD gas on Monday including imported LNG (liquefied natural gas) against the demand of 4000 MMCFD. Read: At least 20 dead in gas station explosion as Nagorno-Karabakh residents flee to Armenia It shows that the country is getting 600 MMCFD gas from imported LNG as imports witnessed a fall in recent months from a normal 800-900 MMCFD. Official sources said the recent dollar crisis has forced Petrobangla to reduce its import of LNG which intensified the crisis in recent days. Official sources said it is unlikely that Petrobangla would be able to increase the import of LNG or increase the production from local sources within the next few months as there is no assurance of ending the ongoing dollar crisis. The country’s foreign exchange reserves declined to below $22 billion this year from $48 last year which put Petrobangla in trouble to get adequate dollars to pay its international suppliers against its purchase of LNG from the global market. The country’s gas industry insiders said that the overall gas supply situation deteriorate in the coming winter with no visible sign of easing the dollar crisis.

Price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has increased by Tk 4.75 per kg to Tk 102.9 from the previous price of Tk 98.17 for the month of May. Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced the new price, saying that a 12kg LPG cylinder’s price has increased by Tk 57.  A retail consumer will get it now at Tk 1235 instead of Tk 1178 (including VAT). Read More: 12kg LPG cylinder to cost Tk 244 less Prices of other sizes of LPG cylinders – from 5.5kg to 45kg – will go up rationally, Md Nurul Amin, newly appointed chairman of BERC, said at a press briefing on Tuesday at the BERC office in Dhaka. The new prices will be effective from 6 pm today (May 2, 2023). BERC officials said the LPG price witnessed a rise in the local market due to a increase in the prices of Saudi CP (contract price). Bangladeshi LPG operators normally import their products from the Middle-East market on the basis of Saudi CP. As per the BERC decision, the price of “auto gas” (LPG used for motor vehicles) also increased to Tk 57.52 per litre (including VAT) from the previous  Tk 54.90 per litre, up  by Tk2.62 per litre. The price of LPG, marketed by state-owned LP Gas Company, will remain the same as it is locally produced with a market share of less than 5 percent. LPG witnessed the highest price at Tk 1,498 (per 12kg cylinder) in the local market in February this year following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February last year.    

Price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has decreased by Tk 6.33 per kg to Tk 118.54 from the previous price of Tk 124.85 per kg for the month of March. Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced its latest price through a press release on Thursday. As per the new price, 12kg LPG cylinder cost has cut by Tk 76 as a retail consumer will get it at Tk 1,422 instead of previous price of Tk 1498 (including VAT). LPG prices for other sizes of cylinders – from 5.5kg to 45kg – will go down rationally, said the  BERC press release. An official of the BERC said that the prices witnessed such fall due to a decline in the prices of Saudi CP (contract price). Last month, as per the Saudi CP, the LPG price was $790 per metric ton while the current month’s CP was set at $733 per MT with increase by $57 per MT, he added. Bangladeshi LPG operators normally import their products from Middle-East Market on the basis of Saudi CP. As per the BERC decision, the price of “auto gas” (LPG used for motor vehicles) also decreased to Tk 66.22 per litre (including VAT) from previous Tk 69.71 per litre, down by Tk 3.49 per litre. The new prices will be effective from 6 pm today (2 March, 2023). Read more: 12kg LPG cylinder to cost Tk 46 more The price of LPG, marketed by state-owned LP Gas Company, will remain the same as it is locally produced with a market share of less than 5 per cent. The LPG price witnessed the highest price at Tk 1,498 (per 12kg cylinder), in the local market in February this year following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February last year. Normally, the BERC Chairman announces the LPG price at the beginning of every month through a virtual press briefing. This time, there was no press briefing as four members out of five including the BERC chairman recently retired from their jobs after expiry of their contracts with the government. New chairman has not been appointed yet, said a BERC official.

Market monitoring teams of Directorate of National Consumer Right Protection (DNCRP) have found that 12 kg LPG is being sold at between Tk 1,600-Tk 1,800 in the market instead of Tk 1498, fixed by Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC). The BERC fixes the price of LPG at the beginning of every month as per law. “From LPG operating companies’ selling points to retailers’ selling points—everywhere the products are being sold at inflated prices”, said A.H.M. Shafiquzzaman, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the DNCRP while holding a meeting with LPG operators, dealers and retailers at the DNCRP headquarters in the city on Wednesday. Against the allegation of the DNCRP, all the LPG operators, dealers and retailers were blaming each other. In addition, the LPG operators were also blaming the dollar crisis, devaluation of local currency and banks’ reluctance in opening LC while the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) was blaming inaction of the BERC and DNCRP for anarchy in the LPG market. “We have to pay banks Tk 106 as dollar exchange rate against the previous rate of Tk 85”, said Mahbub Alam of Meghna LPG. He said the freight charge of shipping has gone up to$120 from $90 per tonne while costs of electricity and transportation have increased. “All these have pushed up our production costs, but BERC is not considering such costs while it announces price every month”, said Jakaria Jalal, head of marketing of the Bashundhara LPG. Representatives of dealers and retailers said that the BERC has not increased the margin of dealers despite all their costs having gone up. BERC secretary Khalilur Rahman disagreed with the allegations of the LPG operators and dealers saying that the regulator has asked them for submitting valid documents of their cost escalation. Read more: 12kg LPG cylinder cost declines by Tk 65 “But none of the dealers and LPG operators submitted the valid documents. Rather they sought more time in this regard”, he added, without any valid documents, BERC cannot consider their claims of cost escalations. CAB representative Kazi Abdul Hannan said both the BERC and the DNCRP substantially failed to protect the rights of the consumers. The consumers are being the ultimate victims and they are paying the price of the regulatory bodies’ failure, he added. The Director General of the DNCRP said his office will submit a recommendation to the government’s higher authority to take further action in this regard. He said it will be unwise to take action against companies like Bashundhara whose market share is over 20 percent. “If we stop their production, do you know what will be the impact on the market?” he told a reporter responding to his question about the non-action by the DNCRP. He also said that the ground reality is that the BERC raised the 12 kg LPG price by Tk 266 for the current month. But the price has gone up further in the local market. “If again the LPG price is raised by Tk 300, the market will not be cool. Rather, market operators will raise it further. We experienced this in the case of sugar price”, he said.     

Price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has substantially increased by Tk 22.15 per kg to Tk 124.85 from the previous price of Tk 102.70 per kg for the month of February. Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced its latest price through a press release on Thursday. As per the new price, 12kg LPG cylinder cost has increased by Tk 266 as a retail consumer will get it at Tk 1498  instead of previous price of Tk 1,232 including VAT. LPG prices for other sizes of cylinders – from 5.5kg to 45kg – will go up rationally, said the  BERC press release. An official of the BERC said that the prices witnessed such an excessive rise due to huge increase in the prices of Saudi CP (contract price). Last month, as per the Saudi CP, the LPG price was $599.59 per metric ton while the current month’s CP was set at $790 per MT with increase by $190.25 per MT, he added. Bangladeshi LPG operators normally import their products from Middle-East Market on the basis of Saudi CP. Read more: 12kg LPG cylinder cost declines by Tk 65 As per the BERC decision, the price of “auto gas” (LPG used for motor vehicles) also increased to Tk 69.71 per litre including VAT from previous Tk 57.41 per litre, up by Tk 12.3 per litre. The new prices will be effective from 6 pm today (2 February, 2023). The price of LPG, marketed by state-owned LP Gas Company, will remain the same as it is locally produced with a market share of less than 5 per cent. The LPG price went up to Tk 1,439 (per 12kg cylinder), in the local market, following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February last year. But this month of February witnessed the highest price since Russia-Ukraine began. Normally, the BERC Chairman announces the LPG price at the beginning of every month through a virtual press briefing. this time, there was no press briefing as four members out of five including the BERC chairman recently retired from their jobs after expiry of their contracts with the government.New chairman and or any member for the regulatory body has not been appointed yet, said a BERC official.  

Price of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) has decreased by Tk 5.39 per kg to Tk 102.70 from previous price of Tk 108.09 per kg as Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has announced its latest price for the month of January. As per the new price, 12kg LPG cylinder cost has lowered by Tk 65 as a retail consumer will get it at Tk 1232 instead of Tk 1297. LPG prices for other sizes of cylinders – from 5.5kg to 45kg – will go down rationally, said BERC chairman Abdul Jalil, who announced the new prices at a virtual press briefing. Read more: Industries can now use LPG as a reliable energy solution: Speakers As per the announcement, the price of “auto gas” (LPG used for motor vehicles) also decreased  to Tk 57.41 per litre from previous price of Tk 60.41 per litre, down by Tk 3 per litre. The new prices will be effective from 6 pm today (January 2, 2023). The price of LPG, marketed by state-owned LP Gas Company, will remain the same as it is locally produced with a market share of less than 5%. Read more: 12kg LPG cylinder to cost Tk 46 more The LPG price went up to the highest, Tk 1,439 (per 12kg cylinder), in the local market, following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February last year. LPG price in Bangladesh was the lowest at Tk 1,225 for a 12kg cylinder in January last year and it witnessed continuous hikes in February, March and April in 2022.

Speakers at a seminar have said that many industries can now use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a reliable energy solution to meet their needs in the nagging gas crisis. “The price of LPG is flexible and reasonable. If there is some policy support, operators are ready to take the challenge in this regard,” said Azam J Chowdhury, president of LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (Loab). The Hydrocarbon Unit, a subordinate body of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division organized the virtual seminar on Monday titled: LPG: An Alternate Energy Solution for Industrial Segment in Bangladesh. The Loab president said that if the country wants to keep the persistent 7 percent GDP growth, it must promote the LPG to grow its use in industrial and other sectors too as the natural gas alone cannot meet the growing demand. “We’ve been providing LPG to different industries which have been suffering for the gas crisis. Now, the demand for LPG is growing at 30-40 percent” he added.He said the LPG sector needs some policy support to overcome its challenges. Read more: 12kg LPG cylinder to cost Tk 46 more A huge quantity of LPG is transported through river routes where navigation is essential while there must be some cut in taxes and stop allowing industries to collect gas from CNG stations in a risky way, he said. He said setting up a dedicated deep sea port for LPG import should be top of the agenda to ensure a consistent supply of this petroleum fuel at a reduced cost as the current transport cost is so high. “The operator cannot import LPG through large vessels over a capacity of 5000 metric tons due to the absence of a dedicated deep sea port,” he said. Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division Mahbub Hossain, additional secretary Humayun Kabir, head of marketing of Bashundhara LPG, and CEO of Omera Petroleum Tamzeem Chowdhury spoke on the occasion while Director General of Hydrocarbon Unit Abul Khayer Md. Aminur Rahman moderated the event. Jakaria Jalal said LPG can be suited for some specific industries depending on the design and its energy consumption. He said there should be a unified pricing formula for all the available primary options including LPG, LNG and other liquid petroleum. If the prices of all energy options are variable, then LPG will be much more sustainable, he added.