After promising to make an exit from expensive oil-based power production, it is sad to see the government planning to construct 20 new oil-based power plants.
This seems to be a case of one step forward, two steps back.
The reasoning given by PDB officials is that because the price of fuel oil is low in the international market, oil-based plants have become an attractive option. But this is not a convincing argument.
We need to think long-term, and exhibit better vision.
These small oil-based plants will ultimately victimise the consumer, who will bear the brunt of periodic price hikes.
Quick fixes like this will not solve our power production woes.
