Households to get new gas connections

The government has lifted the ban on new gas connections to households, imposed in July 2010.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who also holds charge of the energy ministry, yesterday permitted providing new gas connections for domestic use, Energy Secretary Mozammel Haq Khan told The Daily Star.
Initially, about 58,000 households which are illegally using gas would get connection.
The households include those which had obtained gas connections illegally but later saw their connections cut off, and the households that had submitted demand notes and fees before the ban was slapped
These gas connections will be given gradually, the secretary said, adding that there is scope to legalise illegal connections by paying fine.
He, however, said no decision was taken as yet about gas connections for fresh applicants.
The prime minister has clearly instructed that gas connections have to be given through existing lines since new lines cannot be set up, he mentioned.