Govt lifts four-hour gas rationing for industries

The government has finally lifted its decision to ration gas supply to all industries, including textile and readymade garment industries, for four hours a day.
The latest decision will come into effect from today (April 22, 2022). The Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) issued a press statement about withdrawal of the decision on Thursday.
Earlier on April 12, the government ordered gas rationing for industrial clients across the country, requesting them to cease consuming natural gas for four hours daily from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm for 15 days.
The decision of gas rationing was to stave off an acute gas crisis that had been affecting household and industrial consumers in the ongoing month of Ramadan when the use of gas in households normally goes up significantly.
However, the supply mismatch has been somewhat alleviated with new imports and also an increase in extracted gas from local gas fields, said sources.
The decision comes following hue and cry from various quarters, including trade bodies, especially the apparel apex body Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), which protested against the move and demanded immediate withdrawal of rationing gas to factories for the sake of smooth production in the manufacturing sector.
Following their demand, the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) very recently also cautioned the government that the gas rationing system would disrupt the supply chain and could cause further hike in the prices of essentials. The ministry also advocated for withdrawal of the decision.
However, the existing six-hour daily rationing (from 5:00pm to 11:00pm) at CNG-filling stations will remain in effect.

jubairfe1980@gmail.com