United News of Bangladesh

At least 10 people sustained burn injuries after a fire triggered by an explosion broke out at a gas cylinder shop in Chandanaish upazila of Chattogram early Wednesday. The incident occurred around 6:30 am at a shop in Bailtoli Yunus Market owned by Mahbubur Rahman who also sustained burn injuries. The victims include shop owner Mahbubur Rahman, 45, and workers Md Saurav Rahman, 25; Mohammad Kofil, 22; Mohammad Riaz, 17; Mohammad Yunus, 26; Mohammad Akib, 17; Md Harun, 29; Mohammad Idris, 30; Mohammad Liton, 28; and Mohammad Saleh, 33. Witnesses said the fire broke out when a worker lit a cigarette while unloading gas cylinders, sparking a blaze that led to a cylinder explosion. A fire service unit from Chandanaish station rushed to the spot and managed to douse the flames. “We rescued two people and sent them to hospital, while locals had already taken several others. The extent of damage will be known after investigation,” said Saber Hossain, an officer at Chandanaish Fire Station. Narayanganj blast: 14-year-old girl dies, third victim in family The injured were admitted to the Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit of Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Physicians said several of them are in critical condition and five to six may be transferred to Dhaka for better treatment. Sub-inspector Ashikul Islam of the police outpost at the CMCH said that several people who were burned have been admitted to the hospital's burn unit. Locals said employees inside the shop and nearby workers were caught in the fire immediately after the explosion.

Gas supply to readymade garment (RMG) factories and other industries across the country is set to improve from today (Saturday), said Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan on Saturday. The adviser made the announcement while speaking to journalists after observing the power and energy situation in several industrial zones, including Ashulia and parts of Gazipur. “This would have happened a day or two earlier, but it wasn't possible to unload gas from the ship due to rough seas. Gas supply will increase from today (Saturday). Already, 50 MMSCFD has been added and another 100 to 150 MMSCFD will follow,” he said.  RMG workers stage protest at Kakrail demanding arrears, Eid bonus He also disclosed that four additional LNG cargoes are being brought in to tackle the prevailing gas crisis. During his visit to Towel Tex Limited factory in the Chandra area of Kaliakair Upazila, Gazipur, the adviser acknowledged the concerns raised by industrialists. “We found some truth in the complaints raised by industrial owners regarding gas shortages. We are trying to make adjustments for this,” he said. Explaining the delay in stabilising supply, he added, “Due to unfavourable weather conditions at sea, storage was not possible. We hope the situation will improve by this evening, and it will be monitored.” In addition to efforts to enhance supply, the adviser warned of strict action against illegal gas connections. “Punitive measures will be taken against those involved in illegal gas connections, and such connections will be disconnected,” he said. Earlier, following an inspection of the Dhaka Palli Bidyut Samity-1 office, the advisor addressed the ongoing protests by Palli Bidyut Samity officials and employees. “A meeting will be held tomorrow to discuss the relationship between Palli Bidyut and REB. A committee led by the Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University has been formed. That committee will present its final report tomorrow. We will take necessary action after receiving that report,” he said. He urged stakeholders to refrain from disruptive activities. “We are working on these issues, and they will be resolved quickly. There is no benefit in holding processions and meetings over this. Such actions only cause harm. Earlier, electricity supply was stopped in about 26-27 locations. This was an act of sabotage. For that reason, the government was forced to take some measures.”  RMG workers must be paid bonus by May, salary by early June: Home Adviser The adviser was accompanied during the inspection by Titas Gas Managing Director Parvez Ahmed, Energy Ministry Secretary Saiful Islam, Palli Bidyut Samity Chairman Major General Azim and other senior officials from the ministry and relevant departments.

A group of local people and students intercepted a Dhaka-bound vehicle transporting gas of a refueling company at Bhola Bus Stand on Friday night demanding that locally extracted gas be supplied to households and industries in the district rather than being sent to factories in Dhaka. The protesters intercepted the CNG-gas-laden truck belonging to Intraco Refueling Company around 10:30 pm near Bhola bus terminal on its way to Dhaka and blocked the road. They also staged demonstrations to press home their five-point demand, including establishment of gas-based industries in Bhola, household gas connections and an end to gas being transported out of the district without meeting local needs. Gas supply to stop for 15 hours Friday in parts of the capital The protesters also chanted slogans saying ‘Bhola’s gas to be distributed in Bhola’ and ‘Gas supply in every household’. On information, police rushed to the spot but the vehicle remained blocked and was not allowed to leave Bhola as of Saturday morning, said sub-inspector of Sadar Model Police Station Wasib Alam. Earlier in the day, members of the B-Dwip Student Welfare Council organised a human chain and rally in Bhola town, raising similar demands. The protestors also threatened to go for greater movement, including a long march to Dhaka or blockade programme and would prevent any gas from leaving Bhola, if their demands are not met. In May 2023, Intraco signed a deal with state-owned Sundarban Gas Company to transport gas cylinders from Bhola to 18 factories in Dhaka. Under the agreement, the company currently supplies around 5 million cubic feet of gas daily to these facilities.  

Gas supply will remain suspended for 12 hours in Monohardi upazila in Narsingdi and Kishoreganj on Wednesday. According to Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC, the gas supply will remain off for 12 hours from 6 pm on Wednesday to 6 am on Thursday in Kishoreganj district and Monohardi upazila due to modification works of the gas metering stations. Gas supply likely to improve this evening in Dhaka city, elsewhere During the period, low pressure in gas supply may prevail in Narsingdi district, eastern part of Dhaka City, Kaliganj, Jaydevpur, Konabari, Chandra and adjacent areas, said the Titas Gas regretting the inconvenience of its consumers. Gas supply to be low countrywide for 72 hours from Wednesday

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) has raised serious concerns over proposed hikes in industrial gas prices and VAT, warning they could disrupt business, deter investment and undermine export competitiveness. Petrobangla recently submitted a proposal to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to more than double the per-unit price of gas for industrial and captive consumers—from Tk 30 and Tk 31.50 to Tk 75.72. The move aims to alleviate the government’s subsidy burden on gas production costs. Simultaneously, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has raised income tax for motorcycle, refrigerator, air-conditioner, and compressor manufacturers from 10% to 20%, reversing a prior commitment to maintain reduced rates until 2032. In a statement, the DCCI highlighted that such measures, if implemented, would significantly increase production costs, placing inflationary pressure on both industries and consumers. This, the DCCI cautioned, could deter local and foreign investment, jeopardise Bangladesh’s competitive standing in the global market, and hinder the establishment of new industries. “The proposal to increase gas prices without ensuring uninterrupted supply presents a formidable challenge for businesses,” the DCCI said. “The cost of doing business will skyrocket, impacting both domestic and export-oriented industries. This would not only reduce profitability but also erode Bangladesh’s competitiveness in international markets.” Read: Private sector facing various challenges: DCCI The chamber said that the negative implications of inconsistent policies. The abrupt withdrawal of promised tax incentives, it argued, could tarnish Bangladesh’s reputation as an investment-friendly destination. “Such a reversal sends a detrimental message to both local and foreign investors, undermining confidence and casting doubt on policy reliability,” the statement added. A Call for Collaboration The DCCI urged the government, BERC, and Petrobangla to reconsider the proposed gas price hike. It also called for a review of the VAT and tax rate increases, suggesting that these measures could exacerbate inflationary pressures and operational costs for businesses at a time of global economic uncertainty. “To foster sustainable economic growth, it is imperative to maintain a stable, business-friendly environment,” the DCCI noted. “This requires long-term policy commitments, tax benefits, and active collaboration between the government, private sector, and other stakeholders.” Broader Implications The proposed tax hike on manufacturing industries such as motorcycles, refrigerators, and air-conditioners comes at a time when businesses are already grappling with an unstable economic climate. The DCCI warned that these measures could dampen local industrial activity, reduce foreign investment, and ultimately curtail economic recovery. Read more: Businesses agree with central bank's steps against bank robbers: DCCI With Bangladesh striving to recover amid global economic challenges, the DCCI reiterated the need for “cost-effective policies that ensure continuity and stability.” It argued that policy reversals and steep cost increases could undermine the country’s efforts to attract investors and sustain economic momentum.

Gas supply will remain off for 12 hours at different areas in Narsingdi on Wednesday (October 23). According to Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC, gas supply will remain off from 10 am to 10 pm on Wednesday at Chinishpur, Abed Textile, Ghoradia, Narsingdi, Thermax Group, Boishakhi Spinning, Kararchar area. New gas reserve found in another Sylhet well During the period, the low pressure may prevail in gas supply in the adjoining areas, said Titas Gas regretting the temporary inconvenience to the consumers.

New gas reserve has been found in another well in Sylhet Gas Field, Managing Director of Sylhet Gas Fields Limited (SGFL) Mizanur Rahman said on Tuesday. He said the new gas was found at the Well No. 7 of the gas field after completion of the drilling. He said the field is expected to produce 7-8 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMCFD). “The new gas was discovered at a depth of 1,200 meters in the well.” He also noted that on August 14, gas was found from a similar structure of the well at the depth 2010 meters from which primarily 6 to 7 MMCFD is being produced. “Now the new gas is an addition to the previous one, “ he said adding, “We hope that new gas will be possible to add to the national grid shortly.” Govt to float open tender to drill 26 wells in gas fields soon: Energy Adviser The BGFL officials said that following drilling of a number of wells, some 60-70 MMCFD gas was obtained which is now being supplied to the national grid. Earlier, on May 24 of this year, 21 MMCFD gas was found in well No. 8 of Kailashtila gas field in Sylhet after drilling to a depth of 3,440 meters in the well. Before this, on January 27, a new gas structure was found in well No. 2 of Rashidpur under Sylhet gas field which has a reserve of about 157 billion cubic feet (BCF). The gas fields operated under the SGFL have been supplying more than 100 MMCFD gas to the national grid. The officials said they have been working to increase the production level to 150 MMCFD by completing a few more projects this year. If all the work is completed by 2025 as per the time set by the government, it will be possible to add 250 MMCFD gas to the national grid from the fields under the SGFL alone, said a top official.

The government’s initiative to invite an open tender for the drilling of 26 wells across various onshore gas fields, aimed at boosting domestic gas production, is likely to face a delay of another month, according to official sources. The delay is primarily due to the ongoing preparation of tender documents, the sources indicated. Three gas exploration and production companies under the state-owned Bangladesh Minerals, Oil, and Gas Corporation, commonly known as Petrobangla – Sylhet Gas Fields Limited (SGFL), Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Limited (BGFCL), and Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) – were expected to float the tender by the second week of October. However, the companies were unable to do so as the documents were not finalised for publication in newspapers and on relevant government websites. Earlier, at a press briefing on October 3 at the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, Petrobangla chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker announced that he had sent a proposal to the ministry for approval and expected that the tender would be invited within a week of receiving the green light. Power and Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, speaking at the same briefing, assured that the government would soon float an open tender to drill 26 wells in different gas fields to increase domestic gas production. He said that the government would refrain from awarding contracts on a G-to-G basis or signing unsolicited agreements with foreign companies. “This initiative aims to reduce our reliance on imported LNG, which is costly and drains foreign currency,” said the adviser. Read: Petrobangla now plans to invite int’l bidding for onshore blocks for hydrocarbon exploration: Chairman Regarding the delay, Fouzul Kabir told UNB that his ministry is seeking assistance from a procurement expert in preparing the tender documents, which has contributed to the time taken. Petrobangla chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker explained that, historically, documents for similar contracts were prepared under the Speedy Increase of Power and Energy Supply (Special Provision) Act 2010. "But this time, we must adhere to the Public Procurement Rules (PPR) 2008 to invite an open tender, which is causing the delay." He expressed optimism that SGFL could issue the tender within a week, while BGFCL and BAPEX may require the full month to be ready. At the October 3 briefing, the Energy Adviser also highlighted a government plan to drill 100 wells between 2025 and 2028. Of these, 69 will be exploration and development wells, while the remaining 31 will be work-over wells. BAPEX will drill 43 of the 69 exploration wells, while the remaining 26 wells will be outsourced to contractors via open tender. Read more: Sinopec, Halliburton launch spud drilling in onshore block-SS-04 BAPEX will use its own rigs to drill 33 wells across various gas fields, with another 10 wells set to be drilled using rented rigs. “We aim to fully utilise BAPEX’s capabilities,” the adviser told reporters.

Though two separate deals were signed with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank about a year ago to install some 17.5 lakh (1.75 million) smart pre-paid metres, the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company has made little progress in implementing the project. “Only some individual consultants were appointed by Titas Gas PLC. No project management consultant (PMC) has been appointed as yet,” said a senior official of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division. Explaining the significance of the PMC he said has it critical role in implementing a project as it holds the responsibility to plan and design the project. “The main technical aspects remain in the hand of the PMC. Normally one or two foreign companies are appointed as PMC”, he told UNB. Newly appointed Managing Director of the Titas PLC Shahnewaz Parvez also admitted the poor progress of the smart prepaid metre project. He, however, said that the appointment of PMC is under process and hoped that the Titas will be able to appoint the consultant soon. Official sources said Titas Gas signed two separate loan agreements in November last year with the World Bank and ADB to install a total of 17.5 lakh prepaid meters under two projects. On November 23 in 2023, Titas signed a loan agreement with the World Bank for installation of 11 lakh smart prepaid meters under the Gas Sector Efficiency and Carbon Abatement Project. The gas transmission and distribution company also signed another agreement with the Asian Development Bank on November 28 in 2023 for the installation of 6.50 lakh smart prepaid meters under the Smart Metering Energy Efficiency Improvement Project. Read: JS body recommends taking steps to gain prepaid meter consumers’ trust The government had undertaken the smart prepaid metre project for the Titas Gas PLC, to reduce the excessive system loss to a reasonable level. As the oldest and largest gas distribution both in terms of its operational area and volume of natural gas sales among the six gas distribution companies, the Titas Gas has been reeling with 7 percent system loss. Titas Gas officials said the company has to incur a loss of Tk 150-180 crore per month for its system loss. They said the entity can save Tk1,800-2,160 crore a year if such a huge system loss is checked. Titas Gas has so far installed about 3.5 lakh of prepaid gas meters for its household consumers mainly in Dhaka city with the financial support of the Japanese donor agency JICA. Its prepaid meters were installed mainly in Gulshan, Banani, Mohammadpur, Paltan, Ramna, New Market, Khilgaon and Segunbagicha areas. Titas Gas currently supplies gas to over 2.878 million consumers, including some 2.853 million household consumers, 12,078 commercial consumers, 5,429 industrial consumers, 1,755 captive power plants, and 396 CNG stations. As per the official statistics, Titas Gas alone holds 55% of the gas market share, while the other five companies have 45%. Read more: Electricity bills harassments: Postpaid consumers can turn to prepaid meters Its vast operational area covers Dhaka, Manikganj, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Narsingdi, and Mymensingh. It annually sells about 14,459.41 MMCM (million cubic meters) of gas (2021-23 fiscal years), to earn a revenue of Tk26,387.12 crore.

With 7 percent system loss, the new management of the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company PLC has been facing the biggest challenge in its service delivery. “Some 7 percent system loss means the organisation loses Tk 150-180 crore per month in revenue,” said Shahnewaz Parvez, the new managing director of the Titas Gas PLC. “It means, the state-owned gas distribution entity can save Tk 1800-2160 crore a year if such a huge system loss is checked,” he told UNB. Among the six gas distribution companies, Titas Gas has been the oldest and largest one both in terms of its operational area and volume of natural gas sales. As per the official statistics, the Titas Gas, invented in 1964, alone holds 55 percent of the gas market share while the other five companies have 45 percent. UCB signs MOU with Titas Gas to provide banking solutions Titas Gas supplies gas to over 2.878 million consumers, including some 2.853 million household consumers, 12,078 commercial consumers, 5,429 industrial consumers, 1,755 captive power plants, and 396 CNG stations. Its vast operational area covers Dhaka, Manikganj, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Narsingdi and Mymensingh. It annually sells about 14,459.41 MMCM (million cubic meters) of gas (2021-23 fiscal year), to earn a revenue of TK 26,387.12 crore.           After the fall of the Awami League regime, the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry also brought changes in Titas management as it was one of the ‘most corrupt’ organisations where the previous managing director Harunor Rashid Mollah was appointed on a contractual basis. There have been widespread allegations that Mollah was involved in various corruption schemes who gave a huge financial benefit to former state minister Nasrul Hamid to get his contractual appointment. Titas Gas faces assaults from local lawmakers' supporters when removing illegal gas connections: Titas MD One of the major allegations against the old management was that Mollah did not take adequate actions against the illegal connections which ultimately increased the system loss of Titas Gas from 2 percent in 2021-22 to 7 percent in 2024-25 fiscal years. Upon assuming office as Managing Director, Shahnewaz Parvez, who previously served as the Managing Director of GTCL, another Petrobangla company, took action against illegal gas connections. Within one month, he said, itas Gas had disconnected over 4,000 household connections and more than 90 industrial connections, primarily in Keraniganj, Narayanganj, Munshiganj and Rupganj. Official sources said Keraniganj was the parliamentary constituency of former state minister for power and energy Nasrul Hamid where the most illegal connections were found. Titas Gas officials said the mainly politically influential persons, especially the local MPs of the ruling party, were the main promoters of the illegal gas connections. As a result, on many occasions, the Titas Gas officials came under attacks from the ruling party men when they conducted operations against the illegal gas connections at different areas. Shahnewaz said Titas Gas has to lose revenue of over Tk 5 crore a day due to illegal gas connections. “So, it’s now our top priority to disconnect all illegal connections and remove the illegal gas pipelines,” he said, adding, if illegal connections are snapped it will play a good role to improve gas supply to many areas. Petrobangla, Titas dismiss news on new gas connections as “baseless rumor”