Open Competition will be ensured in energy sector: Adviser

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Affairs Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan on Wednesday said the interim government will not promote any particular person or group to do business in the energy sector.

“Competition will be open for all,” he said at a meeting held with a delegation of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) led by its president Ashraf Ahmed at the ministry’s conference room, reports BSS.

Welcoming the adviser for his new charge, members of the delegation demanded uninterrupted supply of electricity and gas for their factories, as they were facing power and gas supply crisis during the last few days, as a result production is being disrupted.

Fouzul Kabir said gas supply is being disrupted due to insufficient gas supply compared to demand.

He said the Floating Storage Re-gasification Unit (FSRU) of Summit Group remained closed for the last three months, causing disruption in gas supply.

The adviser said that efforts were underway to start the unit from September 15 next.

He informed the delegation that 800 MW power plant at Rupsha remained suspended due to gas crisis.

Fouzul Kabir pointed out the steps taken after he assumed office saying Special Act 2010 and Section 34Ka giving impunity to quick power generation companies, were scrapped.

He said that directives were already given for ensuring competition in all stages of energy sector in awarding contacts. Initiatives were also taken to set up a land-based LNG terminal to meet up the crisis, the adviser said.

The adviser said the government would examine the possibility of setting up an LNG terminal in Khulna.