Bangladesh’s energy regulator is set to hold a public hearing later this month to determine the cost-based price of furnace oil, a key fuel used in power generation and industry.
The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) said the hearing will take place at 10:00am on 29 January at its conference room in Dhaka, with participation from relevant stakeholders, according to officials familiar with the process.
BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed said the commission will review opinions and data presented during the hearing before setting a revised price.
“After considering stakeholders’ views and the current market situation, BERC will determine a cost-based price for furnace oil,” he said on Tuesday.
The regulator said organisations and individuals wishing to take part in the hearing must submit written applications by 22 January. Only approved applicants will be allowed to present their views at the session.
Public hearings are a standard part of BERC’s pricing process, allowing fuel suppliers, power producers and other interested parties to provide input before final decisions are taken.
Importance of furnace oil
According to the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), furnace oil is the second most widely used fuel in the country after diesel, particularly for electricity generation.
During the 2023–24 financial year, total furnace oil sales reached 955,912 metric tonnes, BPC data shows. Of that volume, 34.87 per cent was refined domestically at Eastern Refinery Limited, while 65.14 per cent was imported.
BPC figures from October 2025 indicate that heavy fuel oil supplied to power producers cost around Tk 86 per litre at that time.
Any revision to furnace oil prices could have implications for electricity generation costs, as several power plants rely on heavy fuel oil, particularly during periods of peak demand.
Energy analysts say pricing decisions by BERC are closely watched, as changes can influence power tariffs, government subsidy requirements and overall energy costs for consumers and industries.
BERC has said it will announce its decision on furnace oil pricing after completing the hearing process and reviewing submissions from stakeholders.
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