Public hearing to refix LPG tariff starts

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) is holding a mass hearing to refix the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The event that started around 11am on Thursday at the New Eskaton of Dhaka is scheduled to end at 5pm.

If the hearing may be extended for two more days ---January 17 and 18—if not completed Thursday, according to a notice signed by the regulatory body’s Secretary Md Rafiqul Islam.

Only listed persons or organizations will be able to submit facts, figures and related documents about re-fixing LPG prices.

Also read - BERC to start public hearing Thursday to re-fix LPG price at consumer level

The hearing is being held as per section 34 (4) of the BERC Act 2003 following the High Court’s August 25 directive to refix the LPG tariffs in line with a 2016 writ petition moved by Consumers Association of Bangladesh.

The BERC has not revised the price for LPG since 2009.

Currently, only 18 out of 58 approved companies, including state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, market LPG across the country after importing it.

LPG consumption in the country has witnessed a whopping four-fold growth over the past three years, with households, commercial entities and vehicles increasingly relying on the fuel.