Dhaka, Oct. 21 -- LPG bottlers are asking Bangladesh's energy regulator to raise costs and commissions in official prices, saying current rates no longer cover importing, storing and distributing fuel.

They seek higher returns, citing borrowing, transport, safety and cylinder maintenance-related costs overall.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) will hold a public hearing on Oct 29. Written opinions can be submitted by Oct 27.

The proposals vary widely. Omera LPG wants storage and bottling costs set at Tk 12.25 per kilogram, compared with Tk 25 sought by Fresh LPG, Tk 30 by Delta LPG and Tk 19.5 by Petromax LPG.

On Oct 4, the BERC raised the official price of a 12kg cylinder by Tk 252 to Tk 1,837, from Tk 1,585 in Septe...