Bangladesh Newspaper Archives
'No New Domestic Gas Connection
Tuesday, 05 April 2011
The government has decided not to give fresh piped gas connections to households in a bid to promote liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Energy secretary Mesbah Uddin told reporters about the government decision on Tuesday.
"We've decided in principle not to give piped gas connections to households in the future as we want to promote LPG instead," he added.
Of the country's total production, 12 percent gas is used in households for cooking.
Gas connections to households have remained closed since 2009.
Addressing the press conference, prime minister's energy advisor Taufiq-E-Elahi Chowdhury said gas would be supplied to industries and power sectors when its production
will rise.
The price of LPG is relatively higher although the government is promoting it.
In this regard, the energy advisor said it would be managed by reducing LPG price and hiking that of piped one.
Chairman of state-owned national oil company Petrobangla Hossain Mansur said the country's daily gas demand was currently 2,500 million cubic feet against its production
of 2,000 million cubic feet.
By the end of 2011, he said the demand will be 2,800 million cubic feet while 3,382 million cubic feet by the end of 2012.
Saying that BAPEX is being strengthened, Taufiq-E-Elahi said the government was thinking of signing state-to-state and joint venture deals with foreign companies to lift
and explore gas.
About the government plan to buy coal mines abroad, he said: "We're thinking to import coal and buy coal mines abroad like India and China.
"Inhabitants of Birhganj have laid siege to and vandalised Birganj Police Station, detaining the policemen inside and set ablaze at least three motor bikes.
Armed police have been deployed in the area.
Additional deputy commissioner Zakir Hossain said a battalion of paramilitary Border Guards of Bangladesh has started for the trouble spot.
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