Gas tariff hike may not push up power tariff: BERC chairman

The increase in gas tariffs may not contribute to that in power tariffs this time contrary to the usual practice, the energy regulatory agency's boss has said.

"We may not need to increase power tariffs if Power Development Board (PDB) operates gas- and diesel-run power plants by coordinating them," Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) chairman Monowar Islam was quoted by local media as saying.

"In doing so, gas-run plants will have to be operated longer than diesel-run ones. As a result, power production cost will reduce. If the PDB proposes a tariff coordination, we [BERC) will consider it."

A day before, the BERC increased gas tariffs for captive power generators to Tk 13.85 per cubic metre from Tk 9.62, and for industries Tk 10.70 per cubic metre from Tk 7.76, effective from today.