Talk to people first

Civil society representatives yesterday demanded that the government fix the price of natural gas in a fair and rational way through public hearings so that people do not have to suffer.

Criticising the government's recent decision of increasing the price of compressed natural gas (CNG), they said such an increase would raise the transportation cost. It will ultimately add to peoples' living expenses, they said.

They made the remarks at a meeting organised by Nagarik Committee, a civic platform, at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the capital.

Prof Shamsul Alam, energy adviser to Consumers Association of Bangladesh, said the government has recently increased the price of CNG from Tk 40 to Tk 48 per cubic metre for popularising the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

“This price increase is unjust and similar to public repression. Such a move will raise transport cost as 60 percent vehicles use CNG. We protest such an increase and demand its immediate cancellation,” he said.

The energy expert recommended separating the gas sector from the ministry of power, energy and mineral resources. He also recommended bringing it under a regularity body to solve the gas crisis and uphold consumers' rights.

In January, the government directed its concerned bodies to fix new price of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in consumer level without going through any public hearing, Prof Shamsul said in a concept paper.

“Prices of all kinds of gas -- LPG, CNG and LNG -- should be fair and rational. And, the prices have to be fixed through a public hearing,” he added.

Noted writer and columnist Syed Abul Maksud said the government has increased the gas price two times in a year. “Such an increase makes people suffer. It does not matter whether the increment was for commercial or household use.”

Eminent architect Mobasher Hossain and Dhaka University Professor MM Akash also spoke.