CNG station owners withdraw planned July 30 shutdown, retain Aug 23 indefinite strike

Bangladesh CNG Filling Station and Conversion Workshop Owners Association on Monday withdrew its planned one-day symbolic shutdown of CNG filling stations scheduled for July 30, citing the ongoing gas supply disruption. 

However, the association said it would proceed with its previously announced indefinite nationwide shutdown of all CNG filling stations from August 23 if the government fails to meet its long-standing demands.

The announcement came at a press conference in the capital.

Speaking at the briefing, the convener of the association’s steering committee Amiruzzaman Chowdhury said the decision to suspend the July 30 programme was taken in view of the current gas supply crisis and to cooperate with the government during the difficult situation.

He said the recent fire at a section of the floating LNG terminal at Maheshkhali disrupted gas supplies across the country, making it inappropriate to continue with the symbolic shutdown at this time.

Despite withdrawing the one-day protest, the association warned that CNG station owners are facing mounting financial losses, making it increasingly difficult to continue their businesses.

The association alleged that although it has been raising its demands with the authorities for more than a decade, no effective steps had been taken to resolve the issues.

It said that following the latest electricity tariff revision on June 3, the association held press conferences on June 6 and July 21 to place a set of demands before the government.

According to the association, Petrobangla invited its leaders to a meeting on July 25 to discuss the country’s gas supply situation, where they also highlighted the sector’s long-standing problems.

However, the association claimed that Petrobangla only reiterated previous assurances without offering any concrete solution.

It also said recommendations made by expert committees formed by the Energy Division in 2013 and 2017 remained unimplemented.

The association further alleged that requests submitted on April 20 and June 8 seeking a meeting with the Energy Minister received no response.

Following the announcement of the protest programme on July 21, a three-member delegation met the ministers concerned to explain the sector’s problems and demands, it added.

The association urged the Energy Division and other relevant authorities to take immediate and effective measures instead of offering what it described as routine assurances.

It also sought the intervention of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to help resolve the crisis and protect the sector from further decline.