Dhaka, Oct. 5 -- Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders have become scarce in Dhaka city as some retailers are selling the cylinders at higher prices covertly, fearing raids and mobile courts by the administration.

Amid artificial scarcity of LPG supply, the retailers continue charging higher rates, ignoring the fixed prices, even after the latest hike. During the last few years, the LPG cylinders were selling at higher rates than the government-fixed prices, due to a mismatch between LPG supplies and real demand in the markets, said the sector insiders.

LPG cylinders are hardly available in some major areas of the capital, though retailers in some parts of downtown Dhaka are selling a 12kg cylinder for as high as Tk 2,500, with little...