NCP warns of Petrobangla siege over gas price hike

The National Citizens Party (NCP) Dhaka Metropolitan North on Saturday warned of launching a siege of Petrobangla if the government raises gas prices, while protesting the ongoing gas crisis and public suffering.

The warning came during a human chain and sit-in programme in front of Petrobangla’s headquarters in Karwan Bazar.

Speakers said prolonged gas shortages have disrupted household cooking, affected CNG-powered transport and hampered industrial production. They argued that increasing gas prices amid the crisis would be unjustified.

The protesters also called for greater exploration and extraction of domestic gas resources, urging the government to ensure long-term energy security through transparency and effective planning.

Addressing the programme, NCP Dhaka Metropolitan North Convener Ariful Islam Adeeb said the public would not accept a gas price hike without improved services. He warned that the party would announce a programme to besiege Petrobangla if prices were increased.

The NCP also urged the government to withdraw any proposal to raise gas prices and take immediate steps to resolve the supply crisis.

Meanwhile, Petrobangla said in a statement on Saturday that the government has no plans to increase gas prices at this time, urging the public not to be misled by recent reports.