Matheendra De Zoysa is the chief operating officer (COO) of Omera Petroleum Ltd. In a recent interview with Bonik Barta, he discussed the growth trajectory of Bangladesh’s LPG sector, the role of private investment in expanding infrastructure and supply chains, and the regulatory and logistical challenges shaping the industry’s future. He also outlined the company’s priorities in safety, operational efficiency and market development amid rising competition and increasing demand for cleaner energy.

LPG use has significantly improved the quality of life for a large segment of the population in Bangladesh. This petroleum product also plays an important role in environmental protection. How do you view the future potential of this sector?

LPG is now an important part of Bangladesh’s energy sector and has become a clean, safe and reliable fuel source for millions of households in Bangladesh. At the same time, it is contributing to environmental protection and lowering carbon emissions by reducing the use of firewood.

We believe LPG will play an even greater role in strengthening Bangladesh’s energy security and expanding the use of clean energy in the years ahead. Through Omera’s Shohoj 5.5 kg cylinder, we are particularly focused on bringing lower-income households and firewood users under the LPG network. This will help reduce tree felling, lower health risks and extend the benefits of clean energy to more people.

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

As an import-dependent product, the LPG industry is directly affected by international market conditions, foreign exchange rates and the tariff structure. We believe a stable and predictable policy environment is essential for long-term investment and market stability. Coordinated efforts by the government and industry stakeholders can play an important role in this regard.

Omera has been addressing these challenges through its strong international sourcing network and efficient supply chain, ensuring an uninterrupted supply for customers despite changes in market conditions.

Business stakeholders have long demanded the development of storage infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce costs in the LPG sector. But such infrastructure has not been developed even over the past decade. Since the private sector has largely developed the country’s LPG market, can operators take the lead in building this infrastructure?

The private sector has already played an important role in the growth of Bangladesh’s LPG industry. It is also interested in developing large-scale storage infrastructure. However, supportive policies and long-term planning are needed to make such investments more effective and sustainable.

As one of the country’s leading LPG operators, Omera remains committed to continuing infrastructure investment to strengthen Bangladesh’s energy security and meet growing demand.

With the growing use of LPG, safety and security concerns have also come under sharper scrutiny. What steps is the private sector taking on compliance and safety?

Safety and security remain the highest priority for responsible LPG operators. Across the industry, there is continuous investment in quality control, cylinder testing, staff training and consumer awareness programmes.

At Omera, we will never compromise on safety. We follow international standards and regularly conduct quality checks, training and awareness initiatives to ensure safe LPG usage. We also operate our own cylinder manufacturing facility and maintain dedicated quality and safety teams to uphold the highest safety standards.

The autogas segment holds significant potential within the LPG sector. However, around 90 percent of operations in this segment do not have full licensing. This is both a concern and a major risk. What steps can the government take to address these challenges?

The autogas sector offers strong potential for cleaner and more affordable transport. However, safe and sustainable growth depends on full compliance with licensing and safety standards across all operators.

Simplifying the licensing process, strengthening oversight and increasing awareness can help bring greater discipline to the sector. We also expect the relevant authorities to take strict action to fully stop unauthorised cylinder cross-filling at autogas stations. Such practices create significant safety risks for consumers, operators and the wider industry.

The national budget for FY27 is approaching. It includes discussions on import duties and tax incentives for infrastructure development in the LPG sector. In which areas should government policy and incentives be focused to make the sector more sustainable?

We believe policy support and tax incentives for storage facilities, terminals, safety infrastructure and logistics development would further encourage investment. A rational tax structure for equipment and machinery used in LPG infrastructure development could also support the sector’s long-term growth.

Such measures would strengthen supply chains, enhance national energy security and ultimately benefit consumers over the long term.

Competition in the domestic LPG market is intense, with both local and foreign companies operating side by side. Do you see any challenges ahead?

Competition is a positive force in any growing industry. It drives innovation, improves service quality and ensures better value for consumers. But for the healthy development of the market, it is important that all operators function under the same safety, quality and regulatory standards.

Omera sees competition not as a challenge but as an opportunity for improvement. The LPG market in Bangladesh has always been competitive, and through that competition we have strengthened our position as one of the leading LPG brands in the country. Our focus remains on consumer trust, product quality and uninterrupted service.

There has been long-standing dissatisfaction among consumers over LPG pricing. Different stakeholders often blame each other, and there are also concerns that the regulatory commission is not playing an effective role. Are there coordinated measures that can address instability and dissatisfaction in this market?

LPG pricing is influenced by international market conditions, the exchange rate, import costs and supply chain factors. So, bringing stability to the market requires greater coordination, transparency and effective oversight among all stakeholders.

At Omera, we consistently strive to ensure that consumers receive LPG at government-regulated prices. To support this, we work through our dealer network, digital platforms and home delivery system to promote price transparency and compliance with regulations. We believe that coordinated efforts between the government, regulators and industry players are essential to building a more stable market and restoring consumer confidence.

Many still consider LPG more expensive than traditional cooking fuels. Why should households switch to LPG?

The initial cost of LPG may appear higher. But it offers significant advantages in convenience, efficiency and health. Cooking is faster, kitchens remain cleaner. Households are also protected from the harmful effects of smoke produced by firewood and other traditional fuels.

To support low-income households and first-time users, Omera has introduced the Omera Shohoj 5.5 kg cylinder, making LPG more affordable and accessible. We believe such initiatives are bringing clean energy within reach of families who previously could not consider LPG, helping to expand its use across Bangladesh.

Over time, how has consumer perception of LPG changed in Bangladesh?

Initially, LPG was seen by many as an alternative fuel. Today, it has become the primary cooking fuel for millions of households across the country. Consumers now place greater importance on its convenience, cleanliness, safety and reliability.

We believe that through rising awareness, an expanding distribution network and innovative initiatives like Omera Shohoj, more people will come under LPG coverage in the future, further expanding the use of clean energy in Bangladesh.