The government is open to considering a reasonable proposal from the business community over the gas crisis, noting that a proposed major price hike can naturally upset the industrialists, said Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin on Wednesday.

The Bangladesh Oil, Gas, and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) has proposed to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to increase the price of gas for industrial use from Tk30.75 to Tk75.72 per unit.

Speaking at the inauguration of GAP Expo, the adviser said, "If the price is increased so drastically, it is logical for businesses to feel disappointed. However, before succumbing to disappointment, I believe there is a distinction between the previous government and this one. The previous government would decide something, and that decision would simply be implemented. That won't happen now. Petrobangla has made a proposal, but it will not be implemented without careful thought and discussion. You should sit down, discuss the matter among yourselves, and come up with a fair proposal. Present your demands appropriately. What is reasonable will prevail."

The GAP Expo inaugural ceremony was held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), with South Korean Ambassador Park Young-sik also in attendance.

BDST: 1145 HRS, JAN 09, 2025
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