Int\\\'l market, info scarcity force BERC to take time

The decision of Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) on hike in power tariff and gas price is likely to be delayed as the watchdog is taking more time to assess the situation.
The downward trend of fuel price in the global market as well as the inside political pressure might be a possible reason to delay the decision making process, said a BERC official.
However, BERC member Dr Selim Mahmud attributed the delay to non-receipt of certain necessary information from some gas distribution companies. "We've sought some additional information from gas distribution companies. But they've not sent those yet. Now, we'll not wait for them," he told UNB.
Dr Selim Mahmud also admitted that the BERC have to take into consideration the fuel price situation in the global market we well.
State-owned Power Development Board (PDB) submitted its proposal in the first half of October for raising the bulk power tariff while the state-owned gas distribution companies placed their proposal in mid-November to hike the gas price at retail consumer level.
Receiving the proposals, BERC chairman and other members gave an indication that the regulatory body would soon hold public hearing and make its decision to give effect from January 1, 2015. "But now, it's not possible as the BERC is yet to complete the necessary process like holding open meeting, issuing notice to stakeholders and holding a final public hearing," said Dr Selim Mahmud.
He, however, denied any pressure from opposition political parties who are dead against any such move and also warned the government of greater movement if the energy and power prices are raised.
Dr Selim Mahmud said the BERC will try to hold the public hearing in January 2015.