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Ctg businesses for speedy gas exploration to face crisis

Staff Correspondent, ctg
Business leaders of Chittagong yesterday urged the government for expediting gas exploration to cope with the countrywide gas crisis.
The businesses of Chittagong that have a concentration on heavy industries are also apprehending that new investment in Chittagong may come to a standstill due to govern-
ment's recent decision not to give any new gas connection in the region.
They said the decision would not only frustrate the entrepreneurs but also seriously hold back the flow of foreign direct investment in the country.
M Tamim, chief adviser's special assistant for power, energy, and mineral resources, on Monday said the government will follow a 'cautious' policy in giving new
industrial gas connections in and around Dhaka and has decided not to provide any new gas connection in Chittagong region.
"We know that there is acute shortage of gas in the country. The situation has been aggravated due to a production dip at the offshore Sangu Gas Field in recent time. But that doesn't necessarily mean the government should deprive Chittagong of any new gas supply," said
Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, president of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), at a press conference.
He said, "The country's industrialisation is now under serious threat due to gas shortage. And Chittagong, the commercial hub of Bangladesh, is experiencing the brunt more than any other region. Therefore, we request the government to take immediate steps for
offshore drilling to find new gas fields so that we can meet the ever-increasing demand for gas.”
Many newly built industrial units in Chittagong are now sitting idle, unable to go into production due to gas crisis, he said.
CCCI president said entrepreneurs of a large number of these units are now on the verge of bankruptcy due to unpaid bank loan.
He requested the govern-
ment to arrange for gas supply to Chittagong from Baghabari and Begumganj gas fields as 'interim measures'.
Saifuzzaman also stressed the need for forming a cell, comprised of public and private sector representatives, for the greater development of the port city.
Terming the government's agreement with Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Ltd as 'inappropriate', he said the government should cancel it.