Govt to reduce fuel prices gradually: State minister

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit on Friday said fuel prices will be reduced step by step as the government has slashed the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

“The price of fuel will be reduced step by step whenever there is an opportunity to do so. The government has reduced LPG cylinder prices in line with the global situation,” he said while replying to a question after a views-exchange meeting with Palli Bidyut Samity officials at the district circuit house here.

The state minister said that 98 percent of LPG has to be imported, which is completely dependent on the private sector.

Regarding ghost electricity bills and load shedding, he said that the power division is working to ensure uninterrupted electricity service during the ongoing hot summer.

“We have set up complaint centres in every electricity office. I have instructed officials to contact them and resolve the issues, as various complaints have been received about electricity bills in several places,” Amit said.

He instructed officials of the power division to be more sincere in serving the people.

The state minister said that current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in the party's election manifesto, promised to plant 250 million trees in five years.

In order to implement the Prime Minister's election pledge, a nationwide tree-planting programme has been officially launched.

Starting from schools, all government and private institutions are being decorated with tree plantations.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ashek Hasan, District BNP President Advocate Saberul Haque Sabu, General Secretary and District Council Administrator Delwar Hossain Khokon, Superintendent of Police Syed Rafiqul Islam, Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Shahriar Haque, Sonali Bank Jashore Corporate Branch DGM Monirul Islam, AGM Moshiar Rahman, Jatiyatabadi Bankers Association Sonali Bank Jashore Region President Dabir Uddin, General Secretary Aminul Islam Rajib, and other concerned persons were present.