Gas price hike from June 1 as SC stays HC order
Dhaka: The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the High Court order that stayed for six months a government decision for raising gas prices for all consumers in the second phase with effect from June 1 next.
Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain passed the order after hearing a petition filed by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).
The court also sent the petition to the regular bench of the apex court for hearing on June 5.
The concerned lawyers told reporters that the decision of raising gas prices will be effective from June 1 following today's (Tuesday's) order.
Talking to reporters, Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said there is no legal bar to raise gas price from June 1.
Earlier, on February 28, the High Court stayed for six months the government decision for raising gas prices following a petition filed by engineer Mobeshwar Hossain on behalf of Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB).
The court also issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why the government's move to raise gas prices will not be declared illegal.
Later, the BERC filed a petition seeking a stay on the HC order.
On February 23, gas prices were raised for all types of consumers in two phases as per the BERC decision.
Household consumers have been paying Tk 750 for single burner while Tk 800 for double burner a month for the first phase gas price hike which took effect on March 1.
Earlier, gas price was Tk 600 for single burner and Tk 650 for double burner.
The same consumers will have to pay Tk 900 and Tk 950 for single and double burners respectively from June 1.