Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Monday said the government is uncomfortable due to the gas price hike.
"I've talked to the Energy Ministry and the Energy Regulatory Commission. They've said before LNG import the purchase cost of per unit gas was Tk 7.80 while the selling price was Tk 7.17 which causes a loss of approximately Tk 30.00 billion each year," the minister told reporters at the Secretariat.
"So, the price adjustment was necessary and as far as I know the government has to provide subsidy even after the adjustment," said Quader, also the Awami League general secretary, reports UNB.
On Sunday, the average gas price was raised by 32.8 per cent for the retail consumers in the country with effect from today (Monday).
Asked about corruption in gas sector, Obaidul said, "I don't know about it; can you tell me specifically where does it exist?"
About illegal gas connections, he said such irregularities has been persisting for a long time but it has come down recently and hopefully will decline further due to the government's strong stance against graft.
Talking about the 9th wage board for journalists, the minister said it is likely to be announced within July.
