Administrative measures are being taken against those responsible for illegal gas connections including some unscrupulous businessmen and officials of Titas Gas, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has said.
“A vested group of dishonest traders and some Titas officials are behind the illegal gas connections. Administrative action is being taken against them,” he said after visiting several industrial zones on Saturday.
The daylong inspection from 7am to 8pm covered industrial areas in Ashulia, Chandra, Kaliakoir, Mirzapur, Gazipur, and Bhaluka.
The adviser inspected facilities of BEPZA and factories in the pharmaceuticals, footwear, textile, spinning, ceramics and steel sectors. He exchanged views with industry owners on the ground.
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He said four additional LNG cargoes have been imported to improve gas supply.
“One of the vessels has already arrived, but docking was delayed by two days due to inclement weather. Despite that, gas from the ship has already been inserted into the transmission line,” he added.
The adviser said gas pressure began to improve in industrial facilities from the evening of May 31 which was confirmed by the factory owners during the visit.
Responding to a question from journalists, he acknowledged some issues in power transmission lines but assured that repair and upgrade works are already underway.
He said joint drives involving the district administration, gas and electricity companies, and joint forces will be launched soon to disconnect illegal gas connections.
“We are hopeful that the measures taken will ease the power and gas supply situation in industrial areas,” he said.
He also directed the senior officials of the power and energy sectors to conduct regular visits to industrial zones to monitor the supply situation.
The adviser was accompanied by Energy Secretary Md Saiful Islam, Petrobangla Chairman Md Rezanur Rahman, Titas Gas MD Shahnewaz Parvez, PDB Chairman Md Rezaul Karim, REB Chairman Major General SM Ziaul Azim, and other top officials of the power and energy sectors.