The government will intensify market surveillance to ensure consumers can buy liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at the government-set price and prevent irregularities at the retail level, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with LPG importers, suppliers, and relevant government agencies at the Secretariat in Dhaka, the minister said, “Retail-level exploitation often creates difficulties for consumers. Local administrations will strengthen monitoring so that no misuse of the market takes place.”

He noted that price irregularities are mostly caused by retailers, rather than importers or bottling plant owners.

On the possibility of revising LPG prices, the minister said importers had flagged rising import-stage costs and requested a review based on market data.

“These issues must be examined based on evidence. No business can operate at a loss,” he said, clarifying that no decision has been made yet to raise LPG prices.

Addressing supply concerns, Muktadir added that several licensed operators became inactive following political changes last August, creating a temporary gap in LPG availability.