Govt to gradually reduce fuel prices whenever possible: State minister

The government will gradually reduce fuel prices whenever there is an opportunity to do so, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit said today (3 July).

Referring to the latest reduction in LPG cylinder prices, he said the government immediately lowered the price in line with changes in the global situation and will continue making similar adjustments whenever conditions allow.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with officials of the Palli Bidyut Samity and the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) at the Jessore Circuit House, Amit said 98% of the country's LPG is imported and that the sector is entirely dependent on the private sector.

He said fuel prices had increased due to the conflict in the Middle East, making it difficult for many households to manage their expenses. However, as global conditions improved, the government adjusted LPG prices to provide some relief, he added.

"As soon as the global situation changed, we adjusted the prices. There has been a significant price adjustment overnight, which will bring relief to people in managing their household expenses," he said.

Responding to questions about unusually high electricity bills and load shedding, the state minister said the power division is working to ensure uninterrupted electricity services during the hot summer.

He acknowledged that complaints have been raised over electricity bills in some areas, saying complaint centres have been set up at every electricity office. 

Officials have been instructed to resolve complaints submitted through those centres, he added.

Earlier in the day, Amit inaugurated a programme – organised by Sonali Bank's General Manager's Office in Jessore – to plant 1,000 trees on the bank's land in Jessore's Upashahar.