CNG station owners threaten strike from July 1 

CNG filling stations owners demanded an increase in their commission to Tk 13.96 per cubic metre from the current Tk 8, as the rising operating costs have made many stations financially unviable.

They also called for an automated adjustment mechanism to align commissions with future increases in electricity tariffs and other operating expenses at a press conference at on Saturday urging the government to implement the demands by June 30 or they would announce a nationwide programme from July 1.

The owners' association said station operators are facing higher expenses related to land lease fees, road access charges, licence renewals, equipment maintenance, employee salaries, bank guarantee commissions, and interest payments.

Farhan Noor, Member Secretary of the association in a written speech claimed that Tk 2.46 should be added to the existing commission to offset increased electricity costs. Only Tk 1 of the proposed increase was implemented, while the remaining Tk 1.98 has yet to be realised.

It further argued that another Tk 3.50 adjustment is needed to account for inflation, higher wages, exchange-rate depreciation, increased prices of spare parts, and other operating expenses.