Halt gas supply to CNG-run vehicles :FBCCI chief

Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI) President AK Azad yesterday suggested the government to stop gas supply to CNG stations and new household consumers.

“Gas supply to motor vehicles and household consumers is totally a misuse. Gas should be supplied to only industries. Government should look into the matter,” he told a meeting at Bidyut Bhaban drawing the attention of Finance Minister AMA Muhith who was present in it.

The FBCCI president also suggested the government to increase the price of gas.

Recognising the suggestion, the Finance Minister said this is absolutely correct. “The motor vehicles are consuming gas at the price of water. The gas is not sold to motor vehicles at its proper value,” he said.

Both Energy Secretary Mesbahuddin and Energy Regulatory Commission's Chairman Syed Yusuf Hossain rejected the FBCCI president's suggestion saying that it would not be justified to raise gas price when the government is not being able to supply gas as per demand.

Coming out of the meeting, some of the business leaders, however, questioned the wisdom of the apex chamber body's chief.

They said the CNG to motor vehicles have been introduced as part of the government move to free air pollution.

“So far, several thousand crore taka has been invested in the sector. Now, how a responsible person like the apex chamber's president can suggest suspending this business,” said a businessman on condition of anonymity.

Criticising Azad's statement, a leader of Bangladesh CNG Refuelling Station and Conversion Workshop Owners' Association said he has made such a suggestion “only to satisfy the Finance Minister.”

Against the backdrop of nagging gas crisis, the government has already ordered the CNG refuelling stations to remain closed 6 hours a day from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

-Daily Star