Network for Peoples' Action Protests Gas Crisis and Billing Issues at Titas Gas Building
The Network for Peoples' Action (NPA), a political platform, held a protest in front of the Titas Gas Building in Dhaka on Tuesday. The demonstration was against the abnormal price hikes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and the alleged 'fictitious bills' issued by distribution companies. Speakers at the rally described the practice of collecting fixed bills despite a lack of gas supply to homes as 'state-sponsored extortion.' They demanded the immediate implementation of a customer compensation policy and the installation of smart meters for all residential gas connections. The NPA presented a 12-point charter of demands to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) aimed at resolving the 'unlimited anarchy and mismanagement' in the energy sector. These demands include the introduction of a customer compensation policy for gas and electricity deprivation, smart meters for all residential users, cancellation of fictitious bills, and fair pricing. The platform also called for LPG price control, ensuring its supply, and incentives for electric cooking and alternative fuels. Further demands encompass ending the 'plunder' of capacity charges by publishing a white paper, strengthening BAPEX for domestic gas exploration, and reducing import dependency. The NPA also advocated for comprehensive exploration of gas reserves in Bangladesh's maritime zones, increasing LNG terminals, diversifying gas supply, ensuring a year-long advance supply, storage, and import plan, modernizing Titas's transmission lines, and guaranteeing advance information on gas availability. The protest occurred amidst the ongoing severe gas and electricity crisis and energy sector instability in the country.
The protest highlights significant public dissatisfaction with energy sector governance and pricing in Bangladesh. The demands for smart meters and a customer compensation policy suggest a need for greater transparency and accountability in billing and supply. The call to reduce import dependency and bolster domestic exploration, particularly in maritime zones, points to a strategic imperative for energy security. The NPA's 12-point agenda reflects systemic issues, including pricing volatility, alleged mismanagement, and a lack of consumer protection. Addressing these concerns will require regulatory reform, investment in domestic resources, and a re-evaluation of the balance between imported and local energy sources to ensure affordability and reliability for citizens.
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