The price of gas used in fertilizer factories has been raised from Tk 16 to Tk 29.25 per unit—an increase of almost 100 percent.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced the revised rate at a press conference on Sunday (23 November) afternoon.

Earlier, at a public hearing on 6 October, Petrobangla and gas distribution companies had proposed raising the price to Tk 40 per unit. However, after reviewing the proposal, BERC’s technical committee recommended the new rate of Tk 29.25 per unit.

During the hearing, BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed said the commission would ensure a balanced approach in determining gas prices. He noted public concerns over rising fertilizer production costs and stressed the importance of considering agriculture’s role.

“Agriculture’s contribution to GDP may be small, but food security and the sector’s large workforce must be taken into account,” he said. The cost of importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) would also be a key factor in the decision, he added.