No more tenders without open competition in energy sector: Energy Adviser

From now on, no tenders will be invited in the energy sector without an open competition, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said on Saturday (7 December).

"Due to the absence of competition in the power sector and the monopoly of a few companies, we are purchasing energy at a higher price. For this, we have completely repealed the black law of 2010 and brought competition back to this sector," he said while addressing a seminar organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

"Due to the open tender for oil import, a 35% reduced price has been obtained compared to the previous one, which will save the country Tk370 crore," he added.

The adviser mentioned that state-owned Petrobangla has sought clearance from the planning ministry to waive the mandatory feasibility study provision for implementing drilling projects at different onshore gas fields.

"This feasibility study needs to be conducted by a third party, which requires one year for gathering necessary data about a field. We didn't want to bypass the feasibility study, but all the data is available with Petrobangla, and it should be handled within the organisation itself," he said.

Fouzul also pointed out that if a year is needed for the feasibility study, how can the job be completed quickly? "This is a time-buying tactic, and we should raise our voices against such a time-consuming provision."

Fouzul mentioned that the government will float an open tender next week for setting up 40 solar power plants in the private sector. The advertisement for the tender will be released gradually.

"From now on, all doors will be open at the power and energy ministry, and you businessmen will not need to come to the ministry for any persuasion... No personal relationships will be needed to secure a contract. Only competitive offers will determine the outcome," he said.