DHAKA, June 2, 2022 (BSS) - State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid today said that the present global situation pushed Bangladesh's energy economy into challenges.

"Price of fuel and gas is rising gradually all over the world. Our main goal is to keep fuel subsidies or adjustments affordable," he said while addressing a citizen discussion as the chief guest at Jatiya Press Club here.

Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) organised Alternative Proposals for Deficit Coordination of the Electricity and Gas Sector without hiking price and a book titled "Transformation Bangladesh Energy Policy (Proposed)" unveiling ceremony.

Nasrul said demand for electricity and gas is steadily increasing. "Industry demands huge amount of gas so we are importing LNG to mitigate the demand. Supply of uninterrupted electricity or gas is being faced problem due to setting up unplanned factories."

He said own gas exploration activities have been increased, adding, "It is necessary to be conscious of saving energy and the government is giving priority to use of gas in the industrial sector."

The state minister discussed captive power, capacity charge, renewable energy, subsidy or investment price adjustment, timely master plan, transmission line and gas pipeline etc.

Welcoming the CAB's initiative, he said coordination and united efforts always bring success.

Considering the current situation based on realistic, scientific thinking and advice will help to build sustainable energy management, Nasrul added.

Energy adviser of CAB Professor M Shamsul Alam presented an article on Alternative Proposals for Deficit Coordination of the Electricity and Gas Sector without hiking price, while International Relations department of Dhaka University Professor Mohammad Tanzim Uddin Khan presented article on Bangladesh Energy Transformation Policy (Proposed).

Chaired by President of CAB Golam Rahman, the discussion was also addressed, among others, by Professor Badrul Imam, Dhaka University Professor MM Akash and General Secretary of CAB Advocate Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan.