BERC sets new gas tariff today

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announces today (Sunday) the fresh gas tariff at consumer level, officials say.
The commission's order on the new natural gas rates at consumer level will be announced through a virtual press briefing at 3:00 pm, according to a BERC statement on Saturday.
The BERC technical evaluation committee earlier recommended increasing gas price to Tk 11.64 per cubic metre from existing Tk 9.70, a 20-per cent rise on average.
The panel made the recommendation at a public hearing held in Dhaka from March 21 to 24 this year.
The household gas price for a double-burner stove will increase by Tk 105 to Tk 1,080 from existing Tk 975 if it is finally announced.
In January, state-owned gas distributors applied to the BREC for a 117-per cent hike in prices on average.
Energy experts and representatives of consumer rights platforms urged the government not to raise gas tariff anew, saying the proposed tariff is irrational.
At the hearing, they also suggested the authorities concerned enhance their capacity, ensure transparency and reduce system loss in order to compensate the additional expenses instead of a tariff hike.
Businessmen have already aired concern over energy companies' latest hike proposal as, they say, another hike now will raise production costs and ultimately slow down economic revival amid the pandemic.
Opposing the electricity and gas price hike proposal, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has said it will be a suicidal decision if prices are increased.
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