Postpone public hearing on gas price hike: CAB

Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) demanded postponing of the public hearing on the proposal to hike industrial gas prices, which the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) is set to hold on Wednesday, 26 February.

CAB placed the demand at a press conference at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Dhaka on Saturday.

The consumers’ rights body said this initiative of price hike contradicts the spirit of the July-August movement, as well as demanded an end to attempts to raise gas and power prices. The BERC continues its previous traditions and that is concerning, they said.

CAB energy adviser M Shamsul Alam addressed the event. Replying to a query, he said, “If the government of the movement behaves like its predecessor then the movement seems to fail at the beginning. Tariff hikes and instability in the export industry are bad omens. CAB does not believe gas price hike is necessary, and certain forces from behind are making it happen.”

The CAB demanded that BERC formed a committee to find unnecessary costs and looted spending in power and energy sector prior to rising tariffs.