No new gas connection, still customers increase

More than 700,000 customers of gas have increased in the past one year despite suspension of gas connection for seven years, records show.

Stakeholders in the energy sector blamed corruption committed by a section of government officers for the increase in the number of customers during the period of moratorium.

Such a picture of increase in former users of gas has been reflected in the annual report of state energy sector mother company Petrobangla and Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited.

Titas distributes over 60 per cent gas and 12 districts including Dhaka are under it.

There were 2,006,013 customers of gas till June 2016, said the report.

The number rose to 2717,536 by June of 2017, meaning that more than 700,000 or 35 per cent new consumers have been added to the list in the year.

"Illegal gas connections are not possible without collaboration of the officers and employees concerned. We have given a notice that actions will be taken against those involved in such activities, from 1 April," energy secretary Nazimuddin Chowdhury told Prothom Alo.

He claimed that thousands of illegal gas connections are being disconnected "but everything couldn't be controlled."

However, officials of Titas Gas Company argued the number of customers has increased for updating data in the IT system.

Energy adviser of Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) M Shamsul Alam said it is not logical to say the number of customers would go up only for modernisation of the IT system of the company.

"Rather illegal connections are being given and legalised through corruption," he said.

Shamsul Alam further alleged that the government is putting the burden of gas price-hike on the commoners.

Union leaders of the company are also blamed for providing illegal gas connections.

In 2010, the government suspended gas connections to industries as well as at households due to shortage of gas.

The order suspending gas connections was withdrawn for a certain period when illegal connections were legalised, according to official records. The order was reenforced again that still remains effective.

A high level committee was formed to allow gas connection for special cases and emergency.

Around 1,000 industrial units and commercial establishments were given gas connections although applications were many.

*This report, originally published in Prothom Alo print edition, has been rewritten in English by Rabiul Islam.