No one can capitalise on or monetise the fuel used in power plants across Bangladesh, Prime Minister’s Adviser for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury said on Thursday.
He made the remark in reply to a question regarding India’s Adani Group’s demand for a higher coal price. However, he did not comment on the final price of the conglomerate’s coal used in Godda power plant in Jharkhand state, which was built for supplying power to Bangladesh.
The energy adviser was speaking as the chief guest at a book unveiling programme in the Bidyut Bhaban in Dhaka. A book titled “Empowering Bangladesh” published by the Forum for Energy Reporters (FERB) was unveiled there.
He said a committee is reviewing Adani Group’s pricing proposition. The price ceiling would remain the same for all coal-generated power plants, he assured.
‘The government is increasing electricity price every month to reduce the subsidy – when will it end?’ When faced with this question from a reporter, the energy advisor could not provide a clear comment.
However, he did allude to the global market being the denominator of a possible fall in price in Bangladesh.
“Despite a drop in energy prices on global markets, it remains to be seen how long it will take for Bangladesh to enjoy this status quo as energy prices here are still soaring,” he said.
The advisor claimed that Bangladesh fares better than other countries, saying, “Many developed nations, including South Africa, Britain, and Germany, experience 12-10 hours-long blackouts. Pakistan is bankrupt. But we are still normal.”
