Marco Antonio Rogriguez de Oliveira is the chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director of Petromax LPG Ltd, the Bangladesh operation of Dutch multinational SHV Energy. In a recent interview with Bonik Barta, he discussed the future of Bangladesh’s LPG sector, the need for investment in storage infrastructure, safety and regulatory compliance, challenges facing the autogas segment, and the policy support required to sustain industry growth. He also shared his views on competition, pricing concerns, and the role LPG can play in strengthening the country’s energy security and environmental sustainability.

The use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has significantly improved the quality of life for a large segment of the population in the country. At the same time, this petroleum product plays an important role in environmental protection. How do you view the future potential of this sector?

The LPG sector in Bangladesh holds immense promise for both improving lives and protecting the environment. Over the past decade, LPG has become a vital energy source for households, businesses, and industries, offering a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional biomass fuels. This transition has reduced indoor air pollution, improved public health, and contributed to environmental sustainability by lowering deforestation and carbon emissions.

Looking ahead, I see three major areas of potential:

• Expanding Access: With rising urbanisation and challenges in rural electrification, LPG will continue to play a critical role in ensuring affordable, reliable energy for millions of households.
• Environmental Impact: As Bangladesh pursues its climate commitments, LPG serves as a transitional fuel, offering a cleaner alternative to many conventional energy sources while the country gradually shifts towards renewables.
• Industrial Growth: Beyond domestic use, LPG demand in transport, manufacturing, and commercial sectors is expected to grow, creating opportunities for innovation and investment.

At Petromax, we are committed to strengthening supply chains, enhancing safety standards, and investing in infrastructure to meet this growing demand responsibly. The future of LPG in Bangladesh is not just about energy — it is about empowering communities, protecting the environment, and driving sustainable economic growth.

The use of LPG is increasing from residential purposes to vehicles. It is also gradually gaining a strong position in industries as a cost-effective solution. However, as an import-dependent product, tariff-related issues are creating challenges. How can these barriers be addressed?

The growth of LPG use in Bangladesh — from households to vehicles and industries — demonstrates its importance as a cost-effective and more environmentally friendly energy solution. However, being an import-dependent product, tariff-related barriers pose real challenges to affordability and accessibility.

To overcome these challenges, I believe three key strategies are essential:

• Policy Dialogue and Collaboration: Continuous engagement between industry stakeholders and government regulators is vital. A balanced tariff structure that ensures revenue for the state while keeping LPG affordable for consumers will accelerate adoption.
• Diversification of Supply Sources: Expanding import channels and building strategic partnerships with multiple suppliers can reduce vulnerability to global price fluctuations and strengthen bargaining power.
• Infrastructure and Efficiency Improvements: Investing in modern storage, distribution, and logistics systems will lower operational costs, helping offset tariff impacts and ensuring a stable supply.

At Petromax, we are committed to working closely with policymakers to advocate for rational tariff policies while simultaneously strengthening our supply chain and infrastructure. By addressing these barriers collectively, Bangladesh can unlock the full potential of LPG as a driver of sustainable energy and industrial growth.

Business stakeholders have long demanded the development of storage infrastructure to ensure efficient use and cost management of LPG. However, such infrastructure has not been developed even over the past decade. Since the private sector has largely developed the LPG market in the country, can operators take the lead in building this infrastructure?

The demand for LPG in Bangladesh has grown rapidly, yet the absence of large-scale storage infrastructure remains a critical bottleneck. Efficient storage is essential not only for cost management but also for ensuring supply stability and energy security.

I believe the private sector can and should take the lead in building this infrastructure, but success will require a collaborative framework:

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Operators can invest in storage facilities if supported by clear government policies, incentives, and regulatory certainty.
• Shared Infrastructure Models: Industry players can jointly develop and operate terminals, reducing individual capital burdens while ensuring efficiency.
• Policy Support: Rational tariff structures, tax incentives, and streamlined approvals will encourage private investment in long-term infrastructure projects.
• Technology and Safety Standards: Private operators must commit to international best practices in safety and environmental management to build trust and resilience.

We are ready to contribute our expertise and resources to such initiatives. By combining private sector dynamism with government facilitation, Bangladesh can finally establish the storage backbone needed to sustain the LPG sector’s growth and make energy more affordable and reliable for all.

Alongside the growth of LPG usage, safety and security concerns are becoming increasingly prominent. What measures is the private sector taking regarding compliance and safety issues?

As LPG usage expands across households, vehicles, and industries, safety and security must remain the highest priority. The private sector in Bangladesh has already taken significant steps to ensure compliance and protect consumers:

• Strict Adherence to International Standards: Operators are aligning with global best practices in cylinder manufacturing, storage, and distribution to minimise risks.
• Training and Certification: Regular training programmes for employees, distributors, and retailers ensure the safe handling, transportation, and installation of LPG equipment.
• Consumer Awareness Campaigns: Companies are investing in public education initiatives to teach households and businesses about safe usage, emergency procedures, and maintenance.
• Technology and Monitoring: Advanced leak detection systems, quality assurance checks, and other safety measures help create a secure environment for the continued growth of the LPG sector.
• Collaboration with Regulators: The private sector is working closely with government agencies to establish clear compliance frameworks and conduct joint inspections.

At Petromax, we view safety not as a compliance requirement but as a core responsibility. By embedding safety into every stage of our operations — from import to end-user delivery — we aim to build trust, protect lives, and ensure the sustainable growth of the LPG sector in Bangladesh.

The autogas segment holds significant potential within the LPG sector. However, around 90% of operations in this segment lack full licensing, which is both concerning and a major risk. What steps can the government take to resolve these challenges?

The autogas segment has enormous potential to reduce fuel costs, lower emissions, and diversify Bangladesh’s energy mix. However, the fact that nearly 90% of operations lack full licensing is a serious concern, both for safety and for the credibility of the sector.

To resolve these challenges, the government can play a decisive role through the following measures:

• Streamlined Licensing Framework: Simplify and accelerate the licensing process so that operators can comply more easily while maintaining strict safety standards.
• Enforcement and Monitoring: Strengthen regulatory oversight to ensure that only licensed operators remain active, reducing risks to consumers and the environment.
• Capacity Building: Provide training and technical support to operators, helping them meet compliance requirements and adopt international best practices.
• Incentives for Compliance: Introduce tax breaks, tariff relief, or access to financing for companies that achieve full licensing and demonstrate safety excellence.
• Public Awareness: Educate consumers to choose licensed autogas providers, creating market pressure for compliance.

At Petromax, we believe that a balanced approach — combining strict enforcement with supportive policies — will allow the autogas segment to grow safely and sustainably. With government leadership and private sector commitment, this sector can become a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s cleaner energy future.

The national budget for FY 2026-27 is upcoming. In this context, issues such as import duties and tax incentives for infrastructure development in the LPG sector are important. In which areas should the government introduce policy support and incentives to make the sector more sustainable?

As Bangladesh prepares its FY 2026-27 national budget, the LPG sector requires targeted policy support to ensure affordability, safety, and long-term sustainability. Key areas where government incentives would have the greatest impact include:

• Import Duties and Tariffs: Rationalising duties on LPG imports and related equipment will reduce costs for consumers and industries, making LPG more competitive against other fuels.
• Infrastructure Development: Tax incentives and financing support for building storage terminals, distribution networks, and autogas stations will strengthen supply security and efficiency.
• Safety and Compliance: Incentivising investment in safety technologies, training, and certification programmes will ensure higher standards across the sector.
• Renewable Integration: Policies that encourage LPG as a transitional fuel alongside renewables will align with Bangladesh’s climate commitments while maintaining energy reliability.
• Research and Innovation: Grants or tax breaks for companies investing in cleaner technologies, digital monitoring, and efficiency improvements will drive modernisation.

At Petromax, we believe that a balanced policy framework — combining tariff relief with infrastructure and safety incentives — will empower the private sector to expand responsibly, protect consumers, and contribute to Bangladesh’s energy security and environmental goals.

In the domestic market, both local and foreign companies are operating in the LPG sector, making competition quite intense. Do you foresee any challenges in the coming years?

The LPG sector in Bangladesh has matured into a highly competitive marketplace, with both local and foreign companies driving rapid growth. While competition benefits consumers through better service and innovation, it also presents challenges that must be addressed strategically:

• Price Pressure: Intense competition can lead to aggressive pricing, which may undermine long-term sustainability if not balanced with quality and safety investments.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that all operators meet licensing, safety, and environmental standards will be critical to maintaining trust and protecting consumers.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Without adequate storage and distribution facilities, competition may strain supply chains and create inefficiencies.
• Market Consolidation: Smaller players may struggle to survive, potentially leading to consolidation that reshapes the industry landscape. This industry requires scale, efficiency, and significant working capital.

We see these challenges as opportunities to differentiate ourselves through reliability, safety, and innovation. By investing in infrastructure, strengthening compliance, and building consumer trust, we aim not only to compete but to lead the sector towards sustainable growth.

There has long been consumer dissatisfaction regarding LPG pricing. Various stakeholders are blaming each other, and there are also allegations that the regulatory commission is not playing an effective role. Are there any coordinated measures that can address dissatisfaction and instability in this market?

Consumer dissatisfaction over LPG pricing is a serious issue, and the blame game among stakeholders only deepens instability in the market. To restore confidence and ensure fairness, coordinated measures are essential:

• Transparent Pricing Mechanism: Establishing a clear, formula-based pricing system that reflects international LPG prices, import costs, and distribution expenses will reduce disputes and build trust.
• Regulatory Strengthening: The commission must play a more proactive role in monitoring, enforcing compliance, and ensuring that pricing decisions are consistent and fair.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Regular dialogue among importers, distributors, regulators, and consumer groups can help align expectations and prevent misunderstandings.
• Efficiency Improvements: Investments in infrastructure and logistics can lower operational costs, making LPG more affordable without compromising safety or quality.
• Consumer Awareness: Educating the public about how LPG prices are determined will reduce confusion and increase acceptance of necessary adjustments.

At Petromax, we remain optimistic about Bangladesh. As the only 100 percent foreign-owned LPG company operating in Bangladesh, and as part of Dutch multinational SHV Energy (the world leader in LPG distribution), we see this country as an important long-term market. SHV Energy entered Bangladesh because of the sector’s strong growth potential and because LPG can play a meaningful role in improving lives and expanding access to cleaner, safer energy. Petromax has more than 600 employees across its operations, and we are committed to contributing not only through business growth, but also through safety, quality, compliance, and long-term investment.

Our message on World LPG Day is simple: Bangladesh’s LPG sector has a bright future, but the next phase of growth must be built on safety, compliance, infrastructure, fair regulation, and responsible investment. If all stakeholders work together, LPG can continue to support households, businesses, and industries across Bangladesh in a practical and sustainable way.