The government has finally lifted restrictions on providing gas connections to industrial units after nearly two years.
The decision came last month at a meeting of a government committee headed by the prime minister's adviser on energy and power, said a high-up of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd.
"We resumed providing gas connections two weeks ago," Titas Managing Director Abdul Aziz Khan told The Daily Star yesterday.
He said a few industries have already received gas connections and some others will get it soon.
Khan, however, did not specify how many industries will be given gas connections this time.
Seeking anonymity, a top official of the energy and mineral resources ministry, said only 40 industrial units will be given connections against several hundred applications for the service.
Dozens of industrial units have been in difficulty for unavailability of gas connections for the last two years. Entrepreneurs are frustrated at financial losses for not getting the service.
Industry insiders said nearly 500 industrial units have applied for gas connections.
A senior Titas official said they have received 157 applications for gas connections while the rest remain pending with other distribution companies.
Many of the entrepreneurs have deposited money with the government treasury in 2009 for connections according to Titas' instructions. But the government imposed restrictions on providing gas connections to industrial units as well as households soon after that.
Asking not to be named, a leading industrialist accused Titas of nepotism in giving gas connections to industrial units.
"I have heard 40 units will get gas connections this time. My industry's name is on the list of 40 industrial units but I have not got gas connection yet," said the businessman, who has already invested Tk 700 crore in his industry.
The Titas managing director said they resumed giving gas connections to industries in line with the committee's decision despite a shortage of gas.
Khan said the industries that applied for gas connections in 2008 and installed pipelines have been included in the latest list.
"We are sympathetic to those that are not getting connections now. Their applications are under consideration," said Khan.
Some entrepreneurs have filed writ petitions against Titas for breach of commitment.
"I have made payments to Titas in June 2009 for gas connection to my new factory in Gazipur. If the authority cannot provide us with gas, why it had taken money from us," said an entrepreneur, wishing anonymity.
Source : The Daily Star
