Bangladesh gas traders cancel planned two-day nationwide strike

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) traders in Bangladesh have canceled a nationwide strike planned for Oct. 15 and 16, averting their announced suspension of cylinder sales and distribution.

Selim Khan, president of the LPG Traders Cooperative Association, announced the decision Wednesday after a high-level meeting at the Secretariat and the scheduling of an Oct. 29 public hearing on pricing, The Business Standard reported.

The distributors’ platform had announced the shutdown Monday. Traders sought an end to alleged administrative harassment, a review of operators’ commission rates, and the release of thousands of unused cylinders into domestic distribution.

Energy minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku and commerce minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir had warned of legal action if the stoppage proceeded. Traders are expected to present their demands and pricing concerns at the hearing.