The government urged the users to pay Tk 63.65 billion outstanding natural gas bills as the arrears push to suspend development activities in the country’s energy sector.
State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid made the plea while visiting the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd (TGTDCL) on Monday.
According to TGTDCL, the arrear was over Tk 7.45 billion in public sector while the rest is around Tk 56.20 billion in private sector.
Nasrul Hamid expressed disappointment over the consumer services of the distribution company.
He said the TGTDCL must be more responsible in deliveringconsumer services.
“I have received a series of allegation over the service quality of the distribution company. It must be addressed immediately,” the state minister said.
“If you fail to address the problems consumers are facing, then you must face punishment,” he warned.
The state minister informed about the cost of LNG prices that also adds extra pressure in supply chain.
He asked TGTDCL to inform consumers about the gas distribution and supply.
Nasrul Hamid also asked the TGTDCL to intensify drive against illegal natural gas connections.
TGTDCL cut 16 kilometers of illegal gas connections in January, 24.1 kilometers in December and 25 kilometers in November, according to the Ministry of Power and Energy.
The government has a plan to raise the natural gas tariff due to unusual rise of LNG prices in the international market.
As there is a shortfall of natural gas supply, the distribution companies move to ration supply to different sectors.