Energy crisis in Ashulia, Gazipur, N’ganj to be solved on priority basis: Nasrul

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has said the ongoing electricity and gas crisis at industries in Ashulia, Gazipur and Narayanganj will be solved soon.

The state minister made the assurance in a meeting with business leaders at Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) in Dhaka on Wednesday

He said that many industries in Bangladesh are located in separate areas in an unplanned manner making it difficult for the government to provide dedicated fuel and power to factories.

The government currently provides 17 to 18 percent of gas to captive plants at a cheaper rate for industries to flourish, the state minister said, adding that the tension of the industrialists to fade soon.

Nasrul asked businesses to be patient amid the global crisis. “The government and private sector have to work together to tackle the hard times. In the future, the government will provide energy to the industry on a priority basis.”

Private industry and investment advisor Salman F Rahman said the ongoing adverse situation is not allowing them to do work according to plan.

He said the government is working cordially in the power and gas sector for the betterment of industries.

Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries President Md Jashim Uddin said, “We need fuel. If needed, the government should hike the price. By restructuring the tax, the price would be affordable.”

BKMEA, BGMEA leaders, government officials and other stakeholders were present at the programme.