Gas distribution charges being increased

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (Amendment) Bill-2023 was passed in the parliament on January 29 paving the way for the government to adjust the prices of gas and electricity without a public hearing.

Just one day after increasing electricity prices, the Energy, and Mineral Resources Division is going to hike the distribution charges of gas distribution and transmission companies.

The distribution charges of Sundarban Gas Company Limited (SGCL), Paschimanchal Gas Company Limited (PGCL), Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company Limited (BGDCL), Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution System Ltd (JGTDSL) and Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL) are being increased. The announcement will come very soon, and it will be effective from February, sources said.
Adviser of Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Dr M Shamsul Alam said distribution companies are making profit for many years, and they always want to increase charges without right reasons.

On January 29, State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid moved the bill in the house which was unanimously passed by voice votes with Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.