Proposal to raise gas prices for industrial sector submitted

The government is considering a gas price hike for the industrial sector. Petrobangla has proposed an increase in the price of gas from 30.75 Taka per unit to 75.72 Taka per unit, which has been submitted to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) for approval by the Ministry of Energy.

Petrobangla confirmed the proposal on Monday (January 6), which was also acknowledged by BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed. He told VIEWS Bangladesh, "We have received the proposal. It will be reviewed by BERC's technical committee, and if needed, a public hearing will be held. A final decision will be made afterward."

According to BERC sources, if the proposal is approved, the price of gas for new industries will more than double the current rate. New connections will be required to pay the newly proposed rates, while existing users may get some relief.

An energy department source explained that a large portion of the energy is imported, and due to high prices and the dollar shortage, subsidies in this sector are increasing. To reduce these subsidies, the government is proposing a gas price hike for new industries.

In February 2023, the gas price for industries was raised by an average of 82%. At that time, the gas price for industries was increased from 11.98 Taka per unit to 30 Taka. The price was later raised further to 30.75 Taka.