Be prepared to pay actual cost of electricity generation: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said her government has fulfilled its commitment to provide electricity connection to every house.

She said the government had to ration electricity in the country for some days due to the global price hike of fuel and gas. "But now, that problem is over," she said, adding that the supply of 800MW electricity from Payra Thermal Power Plant started last week.

The premier was addressing a discussion arranged by Bangladesh Awami League (AL) at Krishibid Institution in Dhaka's Farmgate area, on the occasion of Victory Day.

The PM said that the government supplies electricity to everyone at subsidized prices though the production cost is much higher. But it will not be possible to provide electricity at lower prices considering the global recession, she said. "The actual cost will have to be paid," she said, adding that the price of gas has increased in the international market.

"Everyone, including businessmen in the country, will have to exercise austerity and will have to be ready to pay the money spent on the (increased) price of gas and transport cost. Otherwise, we will not be able to provide electricity. If you want (electricity), you will have to pay the real prices," she added.

The PM said costs over electricity, gas, water and fuel can be reduced by exercising austerity.