Gas price hike to benefit people, claims minister

The people of the country will directly be benefited with the recent hike in gas prices, agriculture minister Abdur Razzaque told parliament on Sunday, reports UNB.

The minister made the statement while responding to a supplementary question from Jasod member of parliament Shirin Akhtar.

He was replying to the question on behalf of state minister for power and energy Nasrul Hamid who was not present in parliament.

"The gas price has been increased several times...there were reactions against these moves, too. I'm admitting that the common people were slightly affected due to this government move," he said.

Razzaque said gas or coal, or diesel is needed for producing power. "The government has to give huge subsidy to this sector."

He also said the prices might be increased for ensuring uninterrupted supply of power and gas, but its various types of positive effects like setting up industries, factories and mills have to be taken into consideration.

The minister said if the government always gives subsidy then development in other sectors might be affected.

"So, the government hiked the gas prices considering all related matters. With this, some people will be affected directly, but indirectly we all will be benefited...there'll be positive impact on the overall economy," he said.

He mentioned that the government is trying to supply LNG through import from abroad. In the meantime, the government imported 500 million cubic feet of LNG. Private organisation Summit Power is importing another 500 million cubic feet of LNG.

"As a result, there's some sort of relief," he added.

Responding to a question from JP MP Fakhrul Imam whether it is legal to increase the gas price when parliament is in session and without informing it, the minister said he does not know anything enough about it.

The average gas price has been raised by 32.8 per cent for the retail consumers in the country with effect from 1 July.