Members of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association’s (BKMEA) Narayanganj zone have called for a temporary suspension of CNG supply to private vehicles, except in essential cases, amid the ongoing gas crisis.
The demand was made at an exchange meeting organised by BKMEA on Saturday, chaired by BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem.
The members placed five demands, including allowing industrial units hit by production disruptions to pay their gas and electricity bills in instalments.
They said gas shortages had forced many factories to suspend or sharply reduce production for nearly a month, resulting in significant financial losses and making it difficult for businesses to pay utility bills and other liabilities.
They demanded that gas and electricity bills for June and July be allowed to be paid in instalments over the next 12 months, alongside regular bills. They also urged authorities not to disconnect gas or electricity connections of industrial units over unpaid bills during this period.
The members also called for the immediate disconnection of all illegal gas connections and legal action against those involved, saying the move would help boost gas supply and reduce system losses.
They urged authorities to hold weekly press briefings on the latest gas and fuel supply situation until the crisis is resolved, saying regular updates would help industries plan production and business activities and reduce uncertainty.
The meeting also discussed the difficulties industrial owners face in repaying bank loans.
Members said export trade was already under pressure due to the global economic situation and ongoing conflicts. The prolonged energy crisis had further reduced production and revenue at many factories, weakening their ability to repay loans.
They therefore called for extending the period for classifying loans as defaulted from six months to 12 months.
The Narayanganj zone members urged BKMEA to raise their demands with the relevant government authorities and take necessary measures to help the industrial sector overcome the ongoing crisis.
