To curb illegal gas use and theft, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC has intensified its drives across the country. As part of regular operations on Monday, teams conducted raids in multiple areas, disconnecting illegal connections, removing pipelines and imposing fines.
In Paghar, Tongi and Gazipur areas under the JBO Tongi zone, a total of 37 connections were severed due to arrears, unauthorised additional burners and illegal usage. Around 200 feet of illegal pipeline was also removed.
On the same day, a drive led by Senior Assistant Secretary Moniza Khatun of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division targeted an illegal wire factory in Keraniganj. The gas connection was severed, along with 10 service lines and an 11 kV power line.
The factory was also fined Tk 100,000 and legal action was initiated. Officials said this would prevent gas theft worth about Tk 1.28 million per month.
In Shyampur, a vigilance team found illegal tapping from a distribution line at Bismillah Moulding Limited and disconnected it immediately.
In Kaliakair, Gazipur, a drive led by Executive Magistrate Ahmed Ali Adnan disconnected 157 single-burner and 44 double-burner connections. Around 1,200 feet of pipeline was removed, and a riser key and an illegal regulator were seized.
In Sonargaon, Narayanganj, another drive led by Executive Magistrate Suha Tabil covered 13 spots, disconnecting illegal connections at three lime factories and one foundry. A fine of Tk 50,000 was imposed, and around 110 feet of MS pipeline was seized. This is expected to prevent gas theft worth roughly Tk 277,000 per day.
Meanwhile, in Munshiganj, a drive led by Executive Magistrate Md Abu Bakar Siddique found illegal gas usage at a madrasa and nearby locations. Connections using star burners and water heaters were cut off, and related equipment was seized.
Titas officials said such drives will continue to tackle illegal gas connections and theft.