Gas supply to Ashuganj fertiliser plant to resume 1 May: Energy minister

Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood today (23 April) announced that gas supply to Ashuganj fertiliser factory will resume from 1 May, prioritising agricultural needs despite potential impacts on electricity generation.

"Although power generation may be affected, we have decided to supply gas to the fertiliser factory from 1 May, considering the importance of agriculture," he said while speaking on a decision motion at Parliament.

The motion was brought by independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2), who demanded household gas connections for every home in her constituency.

Ten other MPs supported the motion, urging inclusion of their respective upazilas.

Raising the motion, Rumeen Farhana highlighted the plight of residents in Brahmanbaria, saying gas from the district is supplied across the country, but locals are deprived of the gas facilities.

She alleged that even in areas like Sarail, where residential connections exist, gas pressure remains extremely low.

"From 7:00am to 2:00pm, there is virtually no gas pressure. The flame barely burns. Sometimes gas comes for an hour, then disappears for the rest of the day," she said.

The situation worsens during winter, she added.

She also pointed to illegal connections and a lack of monitoring due to manpower shortages, claiming that despite a halt on new residential connections since 2016, unscrupulous officials have enabled illegal supply, depriving the government of revenue and affecting legitimate users.

People are increasingly relying on clay stoves, LPG cylinders, and electric cookers, she said, noting that LPG prices remain high in reality.

Noting that the living standard of people has significantly improved, she said people in villages or rural areas now live in flats and in pucca houses. Cooking with traditional stoves is no longer practical, she added.

On the other hand, an LPG cylinder costs Tk1940, but cylinders are not available for less than Tk2,200, said the independent lawmaker.

She demanded that gas extracted in Brahmanbaria should first meet local demand before being supplied elsewhere.

In response, the energy minister said gas pressure has dropped due to supply shortages, while efforts are ongoing to sustain industrial production.

He blamed the previous 'fascist' government for failing to conduct adequate gas exploration and making the sector import-dependent.

"After assuming office, we have strengthened BAPEX and started exploration activities. If successful, we will be able to improve pressure in areas with existing connections," he said.

Later, when given the floor to withdraw her motion, Rumeen Farhana said the Ashuganj fertiliser factory had remained shut due to gas shortages and demanded gas supply at least to the factory.