The recent price hike and subsequent resistance to the move by various quarters including the opposition party has not gone down well with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Coming down on those demonstrating against gas price hike she maintained that the protestors are not considering the real situation.
“Those who’re waging movement don’t think about the real situation or they don’t see our development. This is unfortunate,” said Sheikh Hasina while delivering her valedictory speech in the 3rd session (Budget Session) of 11th Parliament.
Recently, the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced gas price hike by 32.8 per cent on average to help the Government bear the expenses of importing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which has evoked reactions from the industrialists as well, especially those involved in textile and garment manufacturing.
“The record gas price hike will derail the growth of manufacturing sector, especially the textile sector,” said Mohammad Ali Khokon, President of Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA).
Meanwhile, defending the move to increase gas price, Hasina maintained some 75 per cent hike in gas price was needed, but the Government increased it by only 32.8 per cent, while noting that gas price in Bangladesh is much less than that in other countries.
The total cost for importing per cubic feet LNG is Taka 61.12, but it is being sold at Taka 9.80/cf by providing huge subsidy, she added.
“Though gas price was hiked to some extent due to LNG import, it’s much less than what it is in other countries of the world,” Hasina underlined.
