People will be affected a bit due to gas tariff hike: Agriculture minister

Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque today in parliament admitted that general people will be affected a bit due to price hike of gas.

The minister, however, claimed everyone will be benefited directly by the recent gas price hike while it will put a positive impact on the overall economy.

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The minister made the statement while responding to a supplementary question from Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal MP Shirin Akhtar.

The minister was answering the question in favour of State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid, who was not present in the parliament.

“The price of gas has been increased several times, there were reactions against these moves, I am admitting that the common people will be affected slightly due to price hike of gas,” he said.

Razzaque said that for producing power gas, coal or diesel is needed. The government has to give a huge subsidy in this sector.

He also said that for ensuring the uninterrupted supply of power and gas the prices might be increased, but its various types of positive effects like setting up industries, factories and mills have to be taken under consideration.

The minister said that if the government always gives subsidy then development in other sectors might be affected.

“So the government hiked the gas price considering all related matters, by this some people will be affected directly, but indirectly everyone all will be benefited, the positive effect will be there on the overall economy,” he said.

He mentioned that the government is trying to supply LNG through importing from abroad. In the meantime, the government imported 500 million cubic feet LNG. Private organisation Summit Power is importing another 500 million cubic feet LNG.

“As a result, there are some reliefs,” he added.