Govt feels uneasy for hike in gas prices, says Quader

The government is feeling uneasy but it had to increase the gas tariff only for "adjustment", Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said today.

“And even after this adjustment, the government has to subsidise (in this sector),” the minister told reporters at his office today.

Quader said he talked with the power and energy ministry over the price hike of gas. The adjustment in gas prices has been done as the suppliers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) claimed that they were incurring loss.

Replying to a query from the reporters about corruption in the sector, Obaidul, also Awami League secretary general, said: “I don’t know about this, if you (reporters) know, please inform me”.

“The corruption has decreased in the sector due to the different initiatives taken by the government,” he added.

The gas price was last hiked in June 2017. 

The energy regulator yesterday raised tariff for all users, saying the move would help the government bear the expenses of importing liquefied natural gas.

According to the new rates, households using a single burner will pay Tk 925 instead of Tk 750 a month. Those using a double burner will pay Tk 975 in place of Tk 800.

With this, gas tariff for households has more than doubled in the last decade.