Petrobangla, the state-owned oil and gas company, is set to take action against the consumers who are yet to legalise their gas connections. The deadline set by the government for lagalising connection expires today. “We have given them chance to legalise their connection twice. But we will not give any fresh date or extension the time-frame again,” Chairman Petrobangla Dr Hossain Monsur said.
He said as per ‘Gas Act 2010’ the distribution agencies will start a drive against the illegal connection in their respective areas soon.
According to Petrobangla, the illegal consumers would have to pay a fine of Tk 10,000 along with three months’ imprisonment.
Earlier, Petrobangla made a same call on May 13 and later it extended the date to June 20 and asked the ‘illegal domestic consumers’ to legalise their gas connections. But the consumers’ response was very poor.
Petrobangla Chairman further said no further extension of the deadline will be made.
It was estimated that 57,414 domestic consumers have obtained illegal gas connections in different distribution areas although they are paying gas bill on regular basis.
Under the process, each consumer having double burner has to deposit a total of Tk 6,750 for one year bills at a flat rate plus 3 months equivalent bills as penalty to the respective gas companies to legalise the connections.
“I have initiated an investigation into the matter and when it is completed, I would take action,” he said to a question as to why he has not yet taken action against them.
Dr Monsur informed that the total illegal gas burner is 57,414 against which Tk 116.86 crore was deposited with the Titas Gas Company. “But this money has been shown in official account as the illegal connection holders have paid this money,” he said.
-With The Independent input
