CNG price hike

The government has increased the price of compressed natural gas (CNG) to Tk 25 from the existing Tk 16.75 per cubic meter. The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) chairman announced the new price of CNG saying that the price-hike will help earn additional Tk 11.2 billion in revenues. The BERC officials argued that the CNG price has been increased to maintain consistency with that of other fuels. They, however, did not say what impact the decision to increase the CNG price by nearly 50 per cent at one go will have on the mass transport. They said currently 50 per cent buses use CNG. The CNG Filling Station Owners' Association criticized the decision of BERC). Besides, BNP also strongly protested 50 per cent rise of CNG price by the government, saying it will increase the woes of people. It may be mentioned that the government on May 5 increased the prices of all petroleum products by Tk 2 per litre with effect from May 6. All are worried that the rise in the prices of fuel and CNG will increase the transport costs further and also create adverse impact on the commodity market as traders will raise the prices of essentials on the plea of rise in the transportation costs. So, The CNG pump owners as well as others are completely right in protesting and opposing the government move to enhance the prices of CNG as the price hike will affect the common people adversely. We strongly oppose the decision to enhance the CNG price, because the enhancement is unjustified and will further intensify the hardship and sufferings of the common people. We urge the government to rescind the decision in the public interest. Mohammed Jashim Uddin Purana Paltan, Dhaka