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The government does not determine the price of gas, says Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan.
During a visit to the Begumganj-4 (West) drilling site in the Sonaimuri Upazila of Noakhali On Saturday, Fouzul explained that the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission is responsible for setting gas prices.
“The government used to set gas prices in the past, but it no longer does. The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission now determines the pricing by consulting with both consumers and LP gas importers,” the adviser said in response to questions about the two recent price hikes of bottled gas during the interim government's two-month tenure.
The adviser, while accusing previous administrations of widespread corruption, committed to maintaining a corruption-free environment, bdnews24.com reports.
“Everyone knows there has been plundering in the country. While in the interim government, we will remain above corruption. Our secretaries will also be expected to remain above corruption,” said Fouzul.
“If any corruption is detected, immediate action will be taken,” he added.
The adviser acknowledged the impact of the gas crisis on industrial production and the difficulties faced by households.
“There is a severe gas crisis in the country. We need 4,000 million cubic feet of gas, but we are only receiving 3,000 million cubic feet. As a result, we have to import gas when necessary,” he said.
Fouzul said there are no plans for new gas connections to households at this time.
“At this moment, assuring gas supply to homes would be a false promise. However, if gas supply increases in the future, we will consider this issue.”
He also said 150 wells will be drilled through the state-owned company Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited, or BAPEX, to alleviate the energy crisis.