Reconsider gas tariff hike: 14-party to govt

Awami League-led 14-party alliance today urged government to reconsider the decision of gas tariff hike and keep the price at tolerable level.

“Our government is people-friendly government. The 14-party alliance expects that the government will reconsider the issue on gas price hike,” said Mohammed Nasim, the spokesperson of the alliance.   

Nasim, also AL presidium member, was speaking at a press briefing after a meeting of the 14-party alliance in the AL central office in the capital's Bangabandhu Avenue.

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission increased gas price by 32.8 per cent for all users including households, industries and businesses from July 1, drawing a huge criticism from civil society, opposition and left-leaning political parties.

As per the new rate, the price of the single burner will rise to Tk 925 per month from Tk 750 while the price of the double burner will rise to Tk 975 from Tk 800.

Meanwhile emerging from the 14-party meeting, Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon criticised the recent gas price hike and urged the government to withdraw the additional price for gas. 

“Gas crisis means people’s crisis. The regulatory commission defied the law by hiking gas tariff,” said Menon.