Upcoming increase in LPG imports to prevent supply crisis during Ramadan: BERC chairman
Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) chairman Jalal Ahmed expressed optimism that the upcoming increase in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) imports will prevent any supply crisis during the month of Ramadan.
He has called for urgent cooperation among all stakeholders, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) importers, to stabilise supply ahead of the upcoming Ramadan period.
Jalal said, “Importing 150,000 tonnes of LPG in January and ensuring the delivery of the cargo in February would help avert a supply crisis during the upcoming month of Ramadan”.
The BERC chairman came up with the calls and remarks at a roundtable titled “Regulatory Challenges in the LPG Market” at a city auditorium on Thursday.
The LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) and Energy & Power magazine jointly organised the discussion.
BERC chairman Jalal also acknowledged that the current LPG crisis stems from supply-side constraints.
"We will implement regulatory reforms under the BERC’s jurisdiction directly and engage with the appropriate organisations for those outside its purview, " he assured.
Meanwhile, the country has been gripped by unprecedented chaos regarding both the price and supply of LPG over the past few days. In many areas, this essential fuel remains unavailable even at nearly double the government-fixed rate.
A. H. M. Shafiquzzaman, president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), said, "Why should consumers have to pay Tk 2,500 for LPG priced at Tk 1,300 ? The price-fixing mechanism must be made more transparent”.
The BERC chairman, citing examples of several companies, also stated that those who imported additional quantities were not faced with any obstacles.
Prof. M. Tamim, Vice Chancellor, Independent University, Bangladesh, presented a keynote paper at the event.
LOAB president Amirul Haque gave the address of welcome at the discussion.
Mollah Amzad, editor at Energy & Power magazine, moderated the event.
sajibur@gmail.com