The Industry Executive Forum (IEF), an organization of senior executives and managers of the country's textile and ceramic industries has demanded the cancellation of the government plan to increase gas prices in new industrial establishments.
They have also demanded an effective supply system of gas to industries to resolve the ongoing gas crisis. IEF presented an 8-point demand in this regard.
It include that the government should not make profits by selling gas, withdraw customs duties and taxes on LNG imports and ensure implementation of overall good arrangements for the use of renewable energy in industries to reduce pressure on gas supply.
The industry leaders made those demands at a meeting held at La Vinci Hotel in the capital on Saturday evening. They also put forward some other proposals on gas sector.
Abdul Hakim, Chief Marketing Officer of Hurain Hi-Tech Fabric of Jamuna Group, Md. Sazedur Rahman Talukder, Executive Director of Mithila Group, Senior GM of Paragon Ceramics Mosaheb Kakka and Executive Director (Marketing) of Jaber & Jobair Fabrics Shafiqur Rahman spoke on the occasion.
The industry managers said gas prices have been increasing rapidly and frequently since 2019. In this sequence, the price increase was 15.52 per cent in June 2022, 87.50 per cent in February 2023, 2.50 per cent in February 2024, and 2.44 per cent in May 2024.
As per their opinion if the proposal to increase gas price of gas for new industries is implemented, they will face serious setback. Employment creation and foreign exchange earnings through exports will stop. Moreover, new industries will not be established or expanded forcing entrepreneurs lose business capacity.
Shafiqul Islam, CEO of Khan Consultancy and former Director of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution said it is important to find domestic sources of gas instead of relying on imports of gas. The country must look for safe supply chain and cost-effective and time-saving method for gas supply by ensuring advanced technical management.
The IEF leaders believes that to increase foreign exchange earnings in the export sector, it is important to ensure adequate gas supply at all times, meet the increased customer demand and not charge excessive prices for additional gas.
