Anisul Islam Noor :
The number of gas customers has increased in last one year by over seven lakh, though issuance of its connection has been kept in suspension for past seven years, the annual report of Petrobangla reveals.
According to the report, the number of customers rose to 2,717,536 by June of 2017 from 2,006,013 of the same month of 2016, meaning that more than 700,000 new consumers have been added to the list in one year.
A suspension on gas connection both in households and business establishments have still remained, except special consideration, by the government high ups due to short supply of natural gas.
Such a picture of increased number of users of gas has been reflected in the annual report of state-run energy sector — Petrobangla — and the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited.
Stakeholders in the energy sector blamed corruption committed by a section of officers for the increase in the number of customers during the period of moratorium.
Titas distributes more than 60 per cent gas in 12 districts, including Dhaka, under its jurisdiction.
In 2010, the government suspended gas connections to industries as well as at households due to shortage of gas.
However, the order suspending gas connections was withdrawn for a certain period when illegal connections were legalized, according to official records. The order was reinforced again that still remains effective.
Then a high level committee was formed to allow gas connection for special cases and emergency.
Around 1,000 industrial units and commercial establishments were given gas connections although applications were many.
“Illegal gas connections are not possible without collaboration of the officers and employees concerned. We have given a notice that actions will be taken against those involved in such activities from April 1,” Energy Secretary Nazimuddin Chowdhury told The New Nation.
He claimed that thousands of illegal gas connections are being disconnected but everything could not be controlled.
However, officials of Titas Gas Company argued that the number of customers had increased for updating data in the IT system.
Energy adviser of Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) M Shamsul Alam said it is not logical to say the number of customers would go up only for modernization of the IT system of the company.
“Rather, illegal connections are being given and legalised through corruption,” he said.
Shamsul Alam further alleged that the government is putting the burden of gas price-hike on the commoners.
It was also alleged that union leaders of the company are involved in providing illegal gas connections.
