TDS Desk:

The interim government has decided to remove the system of setting prices of electricity and gas through executive orders and go back to the method of holding public hearings to fix the price.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Act 2023 in this regard is being amended, according to sources at the Electricity and Energy Department.

The gazette of the law amendment will be published Tuesday (20 August).

Now the government will go back to the old method of fixing electricity and gas prices through hearings by scrapping Section 34(a) of the Act.

In January last year, by amending Section 34 of the Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Act 2003, the government was empowered to fix, re-fix or adjust electricity and gas tariffs.

On 18 August, Power And Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, told reporters after joining office, that if necessary prices will again be set through public hearings held by the BERC.

He said the suffering of the people increased due to the repeated increase in the price of electricity and gas. So, no decision will be taken which will add to the suffering.

“We will not raise prices unless we are forced to. If necessary, the commission will talk to everyone and take a decision following the policy,” he added.