Category: Energy and Power

ABB has been named a Leader in the Verdantix Green Quadrant: Industrial AI Analytics Software 2025, a benchmark report that evaluates the capabilities and momentum of the most prominent industrial AI analytics software solutions on the market. The report ranked ABB among the top leaders in the Quadrant.

the Verdantix report, based on rigorous analysis of 19 vendors, highlights ABB’s Genix Industrial IoT and AI Suite for its comprehensive data integration, advanced model development and industry-leading energy management capabilities. ‘We are honored to be recognized as a Leader in the Verdantix Green Quadrant report for industrial AI analytics software,’ said Rajesh Ramachandran, Global Chief Digital Officer, Process Automation, ABB. ‘We are committed to empowering our customers across energy- and resourceintensive industries with scalable, AI-driven solutions that deliver operational excellence and measurable improvements in efficiency, reliability and sustainability.’

Rosatom has opened an Additive Technologies Center (ATC) in Belarus. This is Rosatom’s first Additive Technologies Center (ATC) outside Russia, and implemented as a joint venture of Rosatom and the Belarusian company H-Holding. ‘The introduction of additive manufacturing ensures the transition to a new technological paradigm. Compared to traditional production technologies, 3D printing allows us to produce unique products of complex shape with specified parameters quickly and costeffectively based on a zerowaste principle,’ said Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom.

three ATCs have already been established at Rosatom’s enterprises. Seven more general access centers for additive technologies have been opened at educational institutions in various regions of Russia. In addition, the ATC is equipped with a Russian-made machine for printing sand polymer molds for casting, as well as a 3D scanner. The possibility of 3D scanning in combination with 3D printing enables a comprehensive approach- from manufacturing products to the customer’s model to reverse engineering.

Policy incentives and hybrid solar-plus-storage projects are accelerating India’s energy storage sector despite a slowdown in firsthalf installations.

indian energy storage capacity reached 490 MWh by the end of June, according to Mercom India’s ‘India’s Energy Storage Landscape 1H 2025 Report.’ Karnataka accounted for 33% of national capacity, Chhattisgarh 24%, and Gujarat 16%. Solar-plus-storage systems represented nearly 56% of cumulative installed capacity. Solar-plus-wind projects with round-the-clock capability contributed over 32%, while standalone battery energy storage systems accounted for more than 12%. The remaining share came from floating solar with storage and solar-plus-wind projects with storage capabilities.

the country also has 5 GW of operational pumped storage capacity as of the report’s publication.

As the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress opens today, Members are preparing to vote on a historic motion that could redefine the future of global conservation by tackling the world’s biggest threat to nature: fossil fuels. Motion 42: ‘Addressing the climate and biodiversity crises through fossil fuel supply-side measures and a just transition’ calls on the IUCN to develop guidance, analysis, and pathways for a fair and funded phaseout of coal, oil, and gas- placing fossil fuel supply at the heart of conservation for the first time in the IUCN’s history. If adopted, the motion would make the IUCN the first major environmental body to formally call for international cooperation toward a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty-a new global framework to stop fossil fuel expansion, equitably phase out existing production, and enable a just transition for workers and communities.

Ba ngladesh stands at a critical juncture in its energy journey today. For decades, our economic growth has relied heavily on imported fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, and coal.

these fuels have powered industries, cities, and rural communities. Still, at the same time, they have made us vulnerable to global market volatility, rising import bills, and the growing threats of climate change.

as the world rapidly shifts towards renewable energy, Bangladesh faces both a challenge and a tremendous opportunity. Renewable energy is not just a technical solution-it is essential for economic growth, environmental protection, and social progress. Policy Progress After 17 Years After nearly 17 years, the government has introduced the Renewable Energy Policy 2025. This policy sets a clear roadmap for the country’s future energy mix. It mandates that by 2030, at least 20% of electricity must come from renewable sources, and by 2040, the share must rise to 30%. Key incentives introduced under this new policy include: l A 10-year full tax holiday for renewable energy producers, followed by a partial tax exemption. l Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO): Large electricity consumers will be required to purchase a specific portion of their power from renewable sources. l Expanded Net Metering: Enabling households, businesses, and industries to sell excess rooftop solar electricity back to the national grid.

these measures send a strong signal to domestic and international investors that Bangladesh is moving beyond planning and stepping into implementation. Current Status and Challenges Currently, less than 5% of Bangladesh’s total electricity generation comes from renewable sources, with solar power contributing the majority.

in rural areas, more than 8 million solar home systems have brought light and opportunities for small businesses, dramatically improving lives. However, large grid-connected solar projects face multiple challenges: l Complications in land acquisition. l Lack of accessible bank financing and low-cost funding options. l Technical limitations in grid integration for renewable energy.

the government has set a bold target of achieving 3,000 MW of rooftop solar capacity by December 2025. But the current installed capacity is only 245 MW. Bridging this massive gap will be extremely difficult, yet it also highlights the untapped potential across industrial rooftops, commercial buildings, and urban spaces.

a National Necessity: No Alternative to Renewables Bangladesh is facing a shortage of domestic energy resources, coupled with a foreign currency crisis due to the heavy cost of importing fossil fuels.

at the same time, the government is under pressure to reduce subsidies on conventional energy. For these reasons, there is no alternative but to rapidly advance the renewable energy sector to ensure long-term energy security. To accelerate this transition, immediate and substantial incentives must be provided to attract investment and drive faster adoption of renewable energy solutions. Financing Hurdles: $2 Billion Needed Annually The greatest challenge to reaching renewable energy targets is financing. Research shows that until 2030, the sector will need approximately $980 million annually.

after 2030, the investment requirement will rise even further, with an average annual need of around $2 billion to continue scaling renewable energy development. Without securing this massive level of financing, progress in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector will face serious setbacks. Key concerns for international lenders include l Foreign exchange rate volatility. l Lack of policy continuity and bureaucratic hurdles in project approvals. l Financial instability of power utilities as off-takers. Proposed solutions to unlock financing l Launching green bonds and blended finance models to reduce investment risks. l Encouraging public-private partnerships (PPP) for large-scale projects. l Introducing credit risk guarantees to secure investor confidence. l Incentivizing domestic banks to finance renewable energy projects. Recent Crisis: Impact of 37 Project Cancellations Recently, the government canceled 37 Letters of Intent (LOIs) for solar power projects.

this decision has delivered a major blow to the sector.

thousands of crores of taka invested by local and foreign entrepreneurs are now at risk.

the sudden cancellations have damaged Bangladesh’s image internationally, making investors hesitant and threatening to slow future investment flows into the renewable energy sector.

instead of abrupt cancellations, projects should be professionally evaluated, and solutions should be discussed in collaboration with investors.

otherwise, the sector risks being perceived as a testing ground rather than a serious national priority, which would harm longterm growth and investor confidence.

unlocking Rooftop Solar Potential Rooftop solar energy offers a powerful solution, particularly for industrial facilities.

it can strengthen energy security while improving Bangladesh’s competitive position in the global market. Key actions needed include l Mandatory energy audits for factories to maximize rooftop solar utilization. l Launching a Solar Performance Monitoring System (SPMS) for real-time performance tracking. l Designing standardized rooftop structures to ensure safety and efficiency. l Enforcing long-term maintenance contracts to keep systems operational. l Simplifying and digitalizing grid connection processes. l Reducing the 30-60% import duties and VAT on panels, inverters, and related equipment to make solar systems more affordable.

the government should also introduce easy installment-based solar packages, especially for rural farmers and lowincome households. VAT, Taxes, and Industrial Sector Challenges Renewable energy equipment remainshighly expensive in Bangladesh. Solar panels, inverters, mounting structures, batteries, and other components are priced beyond the reach of average consumers due to high import duties and VAT, currently ranging from 30% to 60%. Recommended measures l Gradually reduce import duties and VAT on renewable energy components. l Offer tax holidays and investment incentives to encourage local manufacturing. l Establish special economic zones (SEZs) dedicated to renewable energy production. l Promote world-class manufacturing facilities through policy support. Reducing costs will boost industrial competitiveness and enable more households and businesses to adopt solar energy solutions.

ensuring Quality and Standards Long-term success depends on maintaining quality and reliability. Currently, low-grade panels and inverters are entering the market, which shortens the lifespan of projects and erodes public confidence. Necessary Actions l Mandate joint inspections by utility representatives during installation. l Implement strict certification processes for every project. l Expand technical centers and training programs for technicians. l Build a skilled workforce with proper certifications to ensure quality control. High-quality systems will increase public trust and restore international investor confidence. Beyond Electricity: The Wider Potential of Renewables Renewable energy’s impact goes beyond electricity production.

it can be the foundation of sustainable economic and social development: l Energy Storage and Smart Grids: Essential for efficiently integrating solar and wind power. l Electric Vehicles (EVs): Reducing dependence on imported oil and cutting pollution. l Clean Cooking Solutions: Protecting health and the environment for rural households. l Green Industries: Powering garments and manufacturing with renewables to stay competitive in global markets. Policy Stability and International Cooperation To increase foreign investment, the government must ensure policy stability and transparency. Sudden decisions, such as canceling LOIs, discourage investors.

additional steps include: l Establishing a one-stop service center for approvals and processes. l Developing special economic zones (SEZs) focused on renewable energy. l Setting up international-standard training centers for technical expertise.

offering tax incentives and reduced tariffs for foreign investors. If the government takes bold action, Bangladesh can quickly position itself as a hub for renewable energy investment in South Asia. Conclusion Renewable energy is not just a sectoral goal-it is a national mission.

its successful implementation will shape the future of Bangladesh’s economy, environment, and society. With dwindling domestic energy resources, foreign currency shortages, and pressure to cut energy subsidies, there is no alternative but to push the renewable energy sector forward. Immediate incentives and bold measures are urgently needed to secure the nation’s energy independence and protect its future. Bangladesh has already inspired the world with its solar home system initiatives. Now, it’s time to transform these smallscale successes into industrial-scale infrastructure.

the bold and realistic decisions we make today will determine whether Bangladesh becomes a green, secure, and sustainable energy leader tomorrow. ‘Solar power in every home’ should not remain a mere slogan-it must become the foundation of Bangladesh’s energy security

With increasing heat and humidity, Bangladesh has been experiencing severe adverse weather phenomena that are making life and livelihoods ever more challenging.

the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted that heat waves in the coming decades will become more frequent, with daily temperatures expected to exceed 35°C even beyond the summer season.

the country’s agricultural sector has already been recording lower yields for rice and other crops due to extreme weather conditions.

the health situation has also deteriorated as extreme heat triggers widespread illnesses, including diarrhea, persistent cough, respiratory diseases, and heat exhaustion.

a recently released research report titled ‘An Unsustainable Life: The Impacts of Heat on Health and the Economy of Bangladesh,’ published on September 16, 2025, by the World Bank in Dhaka, revealed that Bangladesh’s maximum temperature has risen by 1.1°C since 1980. However, the ‘feels-like’ temperature has surged by 4.4°C.

the World Bank study established measurable links between rising temperatures and increased risks to physical and mental health, declining productivity, and major economic losses in Bangladesh.

according to the report, higher heat levels in 2024 led to a loss of 250 million workdays, costing the national economy up to US$1.78 billion. People living below the poverty line have been the hardest hit, as their already poor working and living conditions have worsened amid rising temperatures.

the lack of safe drinking water and minimal hygiene facilities has become more common, leaving poor communities- particularly women in unplanned urban settlements and drought-prone rural areas-especially vulnerable during heat waves.

according to The Guardian (September 28, 2025), India’s capital, New Delhi, experienced daytime temperatures of up to 40°C in early April 2025.

the heat waves caused heat exhaustion among construction and agricultural workers in northern India, including Delhi.

the situation forced Delhi hospitals to set up special ‘heat wards,’ equipped with icefilled tubs to treat patients suffering from heat-related emergencies.

excessively high night-time temperatures in Delhi also drove up air conditioner use as people struggled to keep indoor areas cool.

india’s rising demand for air conditioning has become a majortopic of discussion. Reports suggest that air conditioning accounts for about 40% of electricity use in Mumbai.

in Saudi Arabia, more than half of peak summer electricity consumption goes toward cooling, forcing the Kingdom to burn roughly one billion barrels of oil annually. The United States uses as much electricity to cool its buildings as the entire continent of Africa consumes for all purposes. China and India are rapidly catching up with the U.S.

in energy use for cooling.

india, now the third-largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter after the U.S.

and China, faces mounting pressure to increase electricity generation to meet growing demand, including for cooling. About 70% of India’s total electricity generation currently comes from coal, which also accounts for half of its total commercial energy supply. Meanwhile, under President Trump’s administration, the United States has been encouraging more drilling for oil and gas, offering incentive packages to revive coal mining and expand coal burning.

european Union countries, facing energy shortfalls and dips in renewable energy output, are also increasing their use of oil, gas, and coal, reversing earlier trends toward lower fossil fuel reliance.

according to The New York Times (September 29, 2025), the Trump administration plans to revive coal mining and burning by offering $625 million to rescue coal industries.

the plan includes upgrading existing coal plants to extend their lifespan, opening 13.1 million acres of federal land for mining, and removing pollution limits to support the struggling sector.

the U.S.

environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would repeal numerous regulations set under President Biden to curb emissions of carbon dioxide, mercury, and other pollutants from coal plants.

the EPA also intends to revise costly wastewater pollution limits from power plants. Coal once supplied nearly half of U.S. electricity but accounted for just 16% last year. Stricter air and water pollution rules have made coal mining and burning increasingly expensive.

under the new plan, the U.S. government aims to reduce royalty rates for coal mining.

against the backdrop of surging electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence, data centers, air conditioning, and utilities, the Trump administration has decided to keep 50 coal-fired power units operating beyond their scheduled closure dates. More plants could remain active as pollution restrictions are relaxed. Globally, electricity consumption for air conditioning alone is expected to rise 33-fold by 2100, as urbanization and incomes increase in developing countries.

india currently emits about 3.06 billion tonnes of CO2 annually.

its per capita emissions stand at 2.13 tonnes per year, compared to the global average of 4.7 tonnes.

the world is now projected to use more energy for cooling than for heating. A study by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency predicted that by 2060, global energy consumption for cooling will surpass that for heating.

the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that global residential air-conditioning demand will rise from 300 terawatt-hours per year in 2000 to 4,000 terawatt-hours in 2050 and 10,000 terawatt-hours by 2100.

unfortunately, this growing demand for cooling threatens to increase greenhouse gas emissions and further heat the planet. Most electricity used for air conditioning and refrigeration still comes from burning fossil fuels, making GHG pollution-mainly carbon dioxide-an unavoidable byproduct of cooling energy use.

additionally, refrigerant gases such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which can be up to 4,000 times more potent than CO2, often leak and worsen environmental pollution. Rising temperatures have relatively smaller impacts on wealthy nations, which possess stronger infrastructure and financial and technological capacity to adapt. Poorer countries, however, bear the brunt of the crisis. Rapid, unplanned urbanization, deforestation, and high population density have led to the loss of wetlands and green cover in Bangladesh.

at the same time, migration to urban centers has triggered haphazard construction, with dense clusters of buildings that absorb and re-emit solar heat more than natural landscapes.

this has intensified the ‘urban heat island effect,’ where concentrated concrete structures, asphalt roads, and high-energy commercial activities trap heat, raising local temperatures.

as a result, urban residents increasingly rely on air conditioning, which releases more heat into the surrounding environment, creating a vicious cycle of rising temperatures and energy use. Considering the severe environmental and economic implications, Bangladesh urgently needs a radical review of its development policies, particularly its urban development strategy.

expanding green coverage, protecting forests, preserving homestead vegetation, conserving water bodies, and maintaining open spaces in cities could help mitigate the problem. At the same time, urban planners and implementing agencies should explore how better use of natural light and ventilation can promote energy conservation and support sustainable living.

The World Energy Council has announced a series of new appointments to its Board, following the official meeting of the Executive Assembly held in Panama City, at the commencement of World Energy Week 2025.

the Executive Assembly served as the formal commencement of H.E. Mr. Adnan Amin as the new Chair of the World Energy Council. A distinguished global leader in energy and international diplomacy, Mr.

amin brings extensive experience to the role, including as the founding Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and as Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Mr.

amin succeeds Mike Howard, who served as Chair of the Council from October 2022 to 2025, leading the organization through a period of evolution and expanding its intergenerational global impact.

the Council has also announced the appointment of Dr.

augustín Delgado Martín as Chair of Europe shortly before the Executive Assembly following a membership vote. Mr Delgado Martin, a Spanish national, is Chief Innovation and Sustainability Officer for the Iberdrola Group. Patricia Vincent-Collawn, Chair and CEO of PNM Resources (USA), and Chair North America also steps down from the North America World Energy Council position having served a successful three-year term

Italy’s antitrust regulator said recently it has slapped Italian energy giant Eni and five other companies with fines totalling more than 936 million euros ($1.1 billion) for ‘restricting competition’ in the sale of fuel.

the authority said in a statement that Eni, Esso, Ip, Q8, Saras and Tamoil ‘coordinated to set the value of the bio component factored into fuel prices’, which tripled between 2019 and 2023.

a probe following a whistleblower’s complaint revealed that ‘the companies implemented parallel price increases – largely coinciding – which were driven by direct or indirect information exchanges among them’, the authority said. ‘The cartel began on 1 January 2020 and continued until 30 June 2023,’ it added.

eni expressed its ‘strongest disagreement and surprise’ over the ‘incomprehensible and unfounded’ accusations, saying it would take legal action.

the regulator’s case ‘ignores market logic and misrepresents the facts, taking legitimate communications related to mutual supply relationships between operators out of context,’ it said.

City Bank PLC, a private sector bank in Bangladesh, has secured a $75 million loan facility from two international development banks to boost private sector investment.

the loan deal was signed among the City Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and the New Development Bank (NDB) to boost investment and sustainable infrastructure development in Bangladesh.

the total financing package includes $50 million from the AIIB and $25 million from the NDB.

the funds will be allocated for investment in Bangladesh’s private sector and key development areas, including power, energy efficiency, e-mobility, and digital infrastructure.

the bank officially announced the financing package on October 2, confirming the signing of the agreement with the international development institutions.

this loan is particularly significant as it is AIIB’s first on-lending facility in Bangladesh without a sovereign guarantee to a private commercial bank or institution. For City Bank, the facility is expected to catalyze private sector capital investment, create opportunities for long-term infrastructure lending, and support the implementation of crucial development projects across various sectors.

the management of City Bank expressed confidence that the partnership will significantly accelerate investment in renewable energy and infrastructure, which are vital for achieving the country’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Compared with other fossil fuels, LPG is a much cleaner source of energy. That’s why, if Bangladesh is to achieve its goal of clean cooking for all by 2030, there is really no alternative to LPG. But the sector is now under immense strain after years of heavy investment. Many companies are already struggling, while others are on the brink of collapse.

to prevent further damage, the government needs to step in with low-cost financing to help stabilize the industry. Bringing LPG under the Bangladesh Bank’s Green Fund could be a practical step toward easing the crisis.

it’s also worth noting that LPG is the only energy segment in Bangladesh that operates entirely without subsidies, a fact that deserves recognition and support.

these remarks were made by MD Abdur Razzaq, Founder and Managing Director of JMI Group, in an interview with Mollah Amzad Hossain, Editor of Energy and Power. Many believe that due to overinvestment in the country’s LPG sector, investors are now facing high risks. How do you view this situation, and what could be the way out of the crisis? You are absolutely right. When the government finalized the LPG policy, it did not exercise adequate caution.

under this policy, 59 companies were issued licenses. In contrast, India has licensed only four or five companies in its LPG sector. South Korea has just three, and Thailand has four. In Bangladesh’s small market, 29 operators are currently active, among which around 16-17 have already become sick. Many smaller companies, unable to sustain operations, have sold out to stronger ones.

it is also important to note that the LPG sector is the only energy subsector operating entirely without subsidies while regularly paying taxes and VAT to the government. Meanwhile, around 16 million tonnes of firewood are still being burned annually for cooking in the country. LPG is playing a vital role in replacing firewood as a competitive cooking fuel. Hence, government policy support is crucial for a sector that is now under severe financial strain. To make it clearer, LPG is a clean fuel compared to other fossil fuels. Globally, the sector receives financial incentives, whereas the situation is quite the opposite here.

the interest rate on our loans was previously 7-9%, but it has now risen to 14%, nearly doubling the cost of funds. Therefore, providing low-interest loans to this sector is essential. While LPG is a fossil fuel, it is globally recognized as a green cooking fuel because it replaces biomass and other polluting fuels.

the market in Bangladesh is also expanding. What policy support is needed to achieve the goal of ensuring safe cooking energy for all by 2030? You are absolutely correct. Given the current struggling condition of the LPG industry, if closures continue, Bangladesh will fail to meet the SDG target of ensuring clean cooking for all by 2030. Moreover, LPG is no longer used only for cooking, it is now being used in industries to overcome gas shortages and as an automotive fuel.

as I mentioned earlier, LPG has significantly reduced the use of firewood, thereby decreasing environmental pollution and health risks. Considering all these factors, LPG must be made eligible for financing under the Bangladesh Bank’s Green Fund. What is the current level of investment in the country’s LPG sector? To the best of my knowledge, the total investment in this sector stands at Tk 35,000 crore, of which Tk 25,000 crore is bank loans.

the sector has expanded rapidly. Seven to eight years ago, monthly LPG imports were around 30,000-40,000 tonnes; now imports have risen to 150,000 tonnes per month. Operators claim they are not receiving fair prices for LPG, while the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) adjusts prices every month based on international rates.

on the other hand, consumer rights groups allege that you are being allowed to make excess profits. Where does the problem actually lie? With due respect, I disagree with the claim made by consumer rights groups.

the way prices are currently being determined, operators are actually incurring losses. We have explained this to BERC in detail through our association. You see, operators have to pay various institutional fees and government duties, while the cost of funds has also increased significantly.

unfortunately, BERC is not taking these factors into account.

a coordinated effort is needed to bring the regulation of the LPG sector under a single authority.

above all, price determination must be based on a comprehensive consideration of all relevant costs.

experts believe that continuous crossfilling is deceiving consumers, and there are allegations that some operators are involved as well. What can be done to stop this? Due to such practices, safety risks are also increasing. What is your opinion? This is indeed a very important issue. You see, a section of unscrupulous traders is engaged in cross-filling.

there are laws to prevent it, but enforcement is the responsibility of the administration.

on behalf of LOAB, we are continuously working to raise public awareness regarding safety and other issues. Operators, too, are taking steps from their side to promote awareness.

the challenge, however, is that the LPG market is very extensive.

oversight in this regard lies with the Department of Explosives.

unfortunately, they do not have enough manpower to monitor activities across the country. Police often say that even if someone is arrested for cross-filling, there is no clear legal provision for prosecution. Nevertheless, if the administration takes prompt action when such complaints arise, this problem will gradually decrease.

the allegation that some operators are directly involved in cross-filling is not entirely accurate.

an operator supplies bulk LPG to an autogas station, and crossfilling may occur at that stage. Currently, there are over 1,000 autogas stations in the country, but the number of vehicles using autogas is still low.

as a result, some stations may sell or divert bulk LPG for other uses.

therefore, the government should monitor how much LPG is being imported, where it is being distributed, and how it is being sold.

any violations should be dealt with under the law.

the gas crisis in the country is becoming increasingly severe.

experts suggest that the government should announce a timebound phase-out plan to replace CNG with autogas in vehicles. What is your opinion? This should definitely be done.

although LPG is more expensive than CNG, the government can create policies to gradually replace it.

the largest sector for such replacement should be the residential sector, which currently consumes about 200 MMCFD of natural gas.

a time-bound plan should be implemented to replace residential natural gas use with LPG. The LPG sector is replacing firewood use, reducing carbon emissions, and lowering health risks.

it also contributes to reducing air pollution.

in that case, why can’t this sector access Bangladesh Bank’s Green Fund facilities? LOAB has already requested that the LPG sector be included under the Green Banking Scheme.

at present, only renewable energy and sustainable development projects are eligible for financing from this fund. However, the LPG sector plays a major role in reducing air pollution, minimizing firewood burning, and promoting clean cooking solutions. We hope that the Governor of the Bangladesh Bank will consider our request favorably. The LPG sector is almost entirely driven by private investment, yet it remains trapped under various government regulations and approval processes.

investors often have to visit multiple agencies for permits. What policy reforms do you think are needed to simplify the process? LOAB has been in continuous discussion with relevant ministries and departments about this issue.

operators have already presented their challenges to the authorities, and they have assured us that steps will be taken to address them. However, the progress is very slow, and it needs to be accelerated.

the country’s annual LPG demand is currently 1.8 million tonnes, and some estimate it could reach 10 million tonnes by 2040. What steps should be taken to ensure sustainable market growth? The market will certainly move in that direction, as LPG is both readily available and a clean fuel. With the current infrastructure, the sector can handle importation, bottling, and distribution for up to a 7-million-tonne market. However, the government must provide policy support, especially through access to low-cost financing, to sustain and strengthen this industry.

the price of LPG is about 30% higher than LNG. Given this reality, how do you view the prospects of increasing LPG use in industries? Due to subsidies, the cost of piped natural gas is lower than LPG. However, since industries cannot access piped gas, they are compelled to use LPG to keep operations running. Despite higher prices, industries are maintaining productivity and absorbing the cost difference to continue using LPG.