The Energy and Mineral Resources division has decided to disconnect all illegal gas connections in the country throughout month. There are about 63,000 illegal gas lines in the country.
The decision was taken recently at a meeting of the task force on illegal gas disconnection formed by the Energy Division.
Action plans were sought from all gas distribution companies to disconnect both domestic and industrial illegal gas lines. The companies presented their plans at the meeting of the taskforce on Thursday. This decision was taken as per the plan.
Energy official said the gas distribution companies had identified 3,17,275 illegal connections across the country. Of these, 2 lakh 52 thousand 443 connections have been disconnected till December 13. At this time, 344 km of illegal gas pipeline has been removed. However, 263 km of such pipelines still remain, where gas is being stolen. There are still about 63,000 illegal gas consumers.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said, "We are vocal about stopping illegal gas connections. No one will be spared here at all.”
Out of six state-owned gas distribution companies, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited (TGTDCL) is selling around 58 per cent of gas. The company is responsible for selling gas in 12 districts including Dhaka.
According to the Ministry of Energy, the most illegal gas connections are due to the TGTDCL.
When contacted, Ali Iqbal Mohammad Nurullah, Managing Director of TGTDCL told Bangladesh Post, "Illegal gas disconnection operations are underway. Upon receiving a complaint, the special team goes to the spot and disconnects as well as imposes fines. Currently, there are around 50 thousand illegal gasline users in our distribution area. We are trying our best to disconnect all illegal connections this month. Hopefully, we can do it.”
Energy expert, Professor Shamsul Alam said that the capital's gas distribution system has become a death trap. Most of the officials and employees from the top to bottom of the company are largely engaged in corruption.
Illegal gas connections and old dilapidated pipelines often lead to fires, explosions, injuries and deaths.
Several intelligence agencies have reported to the government over the years about illegal gas connections. In those reports, they mentioned the involvement of leaders and activists of the ruling party at various levels and dishonest officials and employees of the Titas for the illegal gas connections. The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources also wants to remove illegal gas connections.
Allegations are there that a section of officials and employees of the distribution companies has allowed illegal connections to continue with illegal money. As a result, the government is being deprived of a huge amount of revenue. The government's revenue loss has multiplied after the import of high-priced LNG.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) was identified 22 sources of corruption and irregularities in Titas Gas after receiving various allegations. According to the ACC report, they have received information about a large number of illegal gas connections in Savar, Ashulia, Gazipur, Narsingdi and Narayanganj area. As they have seen, there are more illegal connections in industries than in residences.
The country still has a system loss of 6 percent at the gas distribution stage. But this is not acceptable. The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission accepted only 2% system loss. Then what will happen to the remaining 4 percent system loss. Gas distribution companies use this system to force losses on other customers. This makes the overall gas bill higher.
Prior to the import of high-priced LNG from August 18, 2018, the Energy Division had instructed all distribution companies to declare themselves free from illegal connections. But no company has been able to free itself from illegal connections within the stipulated time. This time the ministry has taken a stringent step to implement the directive.
Sources said the government is now importing 600 million cubic feet of LNG per day along with domestic gas. These LNGs are being imported at high prices. The government is raising gas prices due to the higher cost of imported LNG. But the government as well as the legitimate connectors are facing financial losses due to gas theft. So, it was decided to disconnect the illegal gas.
Officials at the gas distribution company say political decision is needed to get rid of illegal gas connections. Otherwise, it is not possible to disconnect the unauthorized gas connections fully.