Jalalabad Gas to introduce smart prepaid meters to cut system loss

FE Team | Published: May 05, 2026 22:30:52

SYLHET, May 5 (BSS): As part of a timely initiative, Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution System Limited (JGTDSL) is set to bring all residential consumers under smart prepaid meters to reduce system loss further.
JGTDSL Managing Director Md Atiqur Rahman said the company has already installed 50,000 smart prepaid meters with its own financing while a DPP was submitted for funding for another 50,000 smart prepaid meters.
Addressing a view-exchange with Forum for Energy Reporters Bangladesh (FERB) at the JGTDSL conference room on Tuesday, he said, "We have undertaken projects to install more smart prepaid meters by 2032."
FERB Chairman Azizur Rahman Ripon, Executive Director Shirajul Islam, Vice Chairman Hasan Azad, FERB members and officials were present at the meeting.
The managing director said that the company has been supplying gas to 221,644 consumers, including 219,990 households.
"We will bring all our 219,990 residential consumers under smart prepaid meters in phases. With the introduction of smart prepaid meters, system loss is being reduced," he said.
Noting that the current system loss is now 0.7 percent, he said Jalalabad Gas has been trying to bring down system loss to 0.5 percent while maintaining the current pace, adding, "There are no unauthorised residential gas connections under Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution Company."
According to JGTDSL, 50,000 smart prepaid meters will be installed at an estimated cost of Tk 1.83 billion by 2026-2028. Another 120,000 meters will be installed in 2029-2032 at a cost of Tk 4.66 billion.
"We have no problem regarding gas in pipeline. Currently, we are distributing 328.66 mmcf per day. In March of FY 2025-26, Jalalabad Gas sold 2,233.280 mmcf," the managing director said.
Atiqur Rahman said that the company deposited Tk 2.30 billion to the national exchequer in 2023-24 financial year.