CAB threatens to move court on gas, power cost hike

Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) today threatened to move the court if the recent price-hike of gas and power is not reconsidered.

The hike was made without considering an adjustment to the international oil prices, Prof Shamsul Alam, an adviser of CAB, said at a press briefing.

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) hiked the prices last month. From September, consumers pay monthly Tk 600 for single stove (50pc rise) and Tk 650 for double (what was Tk 450).

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The price hike on electricity is 2.93 percent on average. Since 2013, this was the seventh time the government raised power prices.

The recent move in hiking prices of these essential utilities came at a time when oil prices in the international market are down. The move drew widespread criticism.

Though BERC blatantly defended the hike citing gas prices are “too low” in Bangladesh, some lawmakers within ruling Awami League government opposed the move and urged a reconsideration.

Today, consumers association held a press briefing at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) protesting the hike and demanded a mass hearing over the issue.

“BERC regulations do not support this manner of price hike,” Prof Alam said. “If the government does not reconsider the hike, we will be forced to move the court in this issue”.

The organisation which protects the rights of consumers will send an application to BERC asking it for holding a mass hearing on recent hike of gas and power, he said.