A day after Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd proposed an 80 percent gas tariff hike, Bakharabad Gas Distribution Company Ltd has made a similar proposal.

Bakharabad is proposing the hike on grounds that the Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is due to be added to the national grid in April, although the pipelines for supplying LNG are yet to be set up.

Since the addition of LNG to the national grid is still unlikely, hiking the gas price would be illogical, says speakers at a public hearing on Bakharabad Gas Distribution's price hike proposal on Wednesday (Mar 13).

They suggested using pre-paid metered gas services so save gas.

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Chairman Monowar Islam, members Mizanur Rahman, Mahmudul Haque Bhuiyan, Rahman Murshed, Abdul Aziz Khan were present during the hearing.

Energy specialist Salek Sufi said, “The gas distribution companies are citing PetroBangla’s directive behind their proposal of price hike. Although it’s being said that 800 mcubic meter LNG will be added from April, the pipelines aren’t yet set up.”

He urged to keep the price of gas within Tk 600-700.

Central committee member of Communist party Ruhin Hossain Prince said, “The gas sector is being allowed be in corruption by not installing pre-paid meters at residences.”

“People using metered gas services pay Tk 300-400 while people without meter pay Tk 700-800, but they cannot even use the gas properly,” he said adding, “This must be stopped.” 

Bangladesh House and Flat Owners’ Association’s Md Helal Uddin said, “You cannot ensure uninterrupted gas supply, then how can you raise its price.”