Ban import of oxygen, argon: CCCI

The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has urged the government to impose a ban on the import of oxygen and argon in order to safeguard the interests of the local sector.

The leading trade body, based in Chittagong, has recently requested the commerce ministry to take necessary steps on the issue, sources said.

According to GPH Ispat Limited, an oxygen-producing company and member of the chamber, the total demand for oxygen is about 150 tonnes, while 170 tonnes is being produced in the country every day meaning there is a surplus of the life-saving item which is sufficient to meet both industrial and medical needs. Despite this, a significant volume of oxygen is still being imported, it noted.

It warned that if import of oxygen goes on despite surplus production, it will be difficult for the domestic companies to survive and compete with foreign suppliers.

The trade body also feared that if domestic producers incur losses and are forced to reduce output, the country could face severe challenges in times of crisis, given the health risks associated with its large population.

During the Covid-19 period, when there was a huge demand for oxygen, neighbouring countries stopped exporting oxygen, leading to a huge loss of life due to a lack of oxygen. At that time, oxygen-producing industries stepped in to supply oxygen free of cost to various government and private hospitals in Chittagong.

The CCCI called on the government to support the industry producing such essential life-saving products so that they can maintain the maximum capacity during any crisis in the future. It said that it is vital to discourage the import of these important products during the current global economic crisis and the government should also keep in mind the issues of domestic industrial protection and employment.

When contacted, an official of the commerce ministry said, "We are working on the issue. No decision has been taken yet in this connection."

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