The Bangladesh CNG Filling Station and Conversion Workshop Owners Association has extended its moral support to the countrywide strike announced by the Bangladesh Petrol Pump and Tank-Lorry Owners Unity Council, set to take place from 6am to 2pm on Sunday.
In a press release issued on Saturday, the CNG association declared its backing of the fuel retailers’ protest, which involves a complete suspension of petrol pump operations and a halt in oil lifting and transportation from depots nationwide.
Simultaneously, the association reiterated a five-point charter of demands to the government, calling for urgent policy action to address longstanding concerns.
Chief among their demands is an increase in commission rates. The association pointed out that while the government in 2017 promised a commission of Tk1.98 per cubic metre of CNG, rising operational costs now require the rate to be revised to Tk5.10 – comprising Tk3.50 based on current market rates and an additional Tk1.60 to offset increased electricity charges.
They also called for a rational and affordable lease rate for CNG stations established on Roads and Highways Department (RHD) land, including tolls collected at access points.
The association urged the government to abolish the rationing system for CNG distribution and implement an automatic price adjustment mechanism linked to fuel input costs.
Another key demand is the cancellation of what they termed as “unjust fees” imposed by various regulatory bodies, including BSTI, Environment Department, Fire Service and Civil Defence, and the Labour Department.
Additionally, the association pressed for the publication in gazette form of the 2017 directive by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources regarding security deposits.
The directive stipulates that CNG stations on private land should provide a bank guarantee equal to one month’s gas bill, while those on leased land should submit a guarantee equivalent to 1.5 months’ bill.
Signed by association President Manoranjan Bhakta and General Secretary Farhan Noor, the statement urged the government to respond promptly to these alleged “logical and essential” demands for the sustainable operation of the sector.