The government will allow private entrepreneurs to import diesel and furnace oil for their own consumption, particularly to run their power plants, from next year, officials said.
On Sunday, power, energy and mineral resources ministry came up with the decision at a meeting held at the secretariat chaired by prime minister’s energy adviser Tawfiq-E-Elahi Chowdhury.
The state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation has already contacted the international suppliers for importing fuel oil.
After the meeting, Tawfiq said that BPC had opposed allowing the private entrepreneurs to import fuel oil this year. He also said that fuel import by the private sector and its use would be monitored by the concerned government departments.
Currently, Khulna Power Company Ltd (KPCL) is the only private sector importer of petroleum products.
Summit Group, which owns the KPCL, has also sought government permission to import furnace oil for three power plants having a combined capacity to generate 255MW of electricity.
Summit requested the government to allow it to import 1,73,000 tonnes of furnace oil for Khulna Power Plant Unit-2, to operate 115MW quick rental power plant for a year and 1,00,000 tonnes of furnace oil for 100MW Madanganj power plant.
It also sought permission to import furnace oil for a 40MW plant at Noapara in Jessore.
-With New Age input
