Jhalokathi, Jan 11 (V7N) - Residents and businesses in Jhalokathi are facing severe disruption after local LPG dealers and retailers suspended gas sales indefinitely, citing pending claims from the Gas Businessmen Cooperative Society Limited. The unexpected halt has left households, hotels, restaurants, and gas-dependent businesses struggling to maintain daily operations. Many are resorting to rice cookers, electric stoves, or traditional clay stoves to prepare meals.

Hotel operators report that they are forced to buy 12 kg cylinders at Tk 1,800 to 2,000, significantly above the government-set price of Tk 1,253, while 35 kg cylinders are being sold at inflated rates. Lutfor Rahman, a prominent LPG dealer in Jhalokathi, told reporters that authorities instructed them to suspend supply nationwide until the claims are resolved. The dealers have no clear timeline for when gas distribution will resume.

The supply halt has created uncertainty and financial strain for both domestic users and commercial establishments, highlighting the region's vulnerability to disruptions in essential energy resources.

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