Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company has submitted a proposal to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to increase gas bills for non-metered residential users.
Titas Gas Managing Director Shahnawaz Parvez revealed that non-metered consumers are using significantly more gas than the amounts billed, which are currently set at 55 cubic metres for single-burner stoves and 60 cubic metres for double-burner stoves.
In some cases, consumption records have shown usage of up to 100 cubic metres.
Shahnawaz Parvez highlighted the disparity between the gas consumption of prepaid meter users and non-metered consumers, noting that prepaid meter users tend to be more frugal with their usage.
He indicated that consumers in affluent areas with prepaid meters often dine out, resulting in lower domestic gas consumption.
This has led Titas to propose an increase in the billed cubic metres to better reflect actual usage, from 55 to 76.65 cubic metres for single-burner stoves and from 60 to 88.44 cubic metres for double-burner stoves.
The proposal follows a directive from BERC for distribution companies to submit tariff adjustment proposals in response to a suggestion from Petrobangla to increase the price of gas supplied to new industrial plants and captive power plants.
Petrobangla's proposal includes raising the price per cubic metre from Tk 30 and Tk 31.75 to Tk 75.72.
This proposed increase has drawn criticism from various quarters, including industry leaders and distribution companies, who argue that such a steep hike is unjustified and could harm industrial growth.
Some companies, like Sundarban Gas Company, are also considering proposing higher distribution charges to offset potential losses.
Titas argues that the current billing system, which does not differentiate based on actual usage, is causing financial losses for the company.
However, former BERC member Mokbul E-Elahi Chowdhury refuted Titas's claims, suggesting that the billed cubic metres should be even lower based on prepaid meter data.
The debate over gas price adjustments continues as BERC reviews the proposals and prepares for public hearings, aiming to balance the financial sustainability of gas distribution companies with the affordability for consumers.
