Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution System Limited (JGTDSL) has taken a major step towards modernising its service delivery by planning to bring all residential consumers under smart prepaid metering in phases, aiming to further reduce system losses and improve efficiency.
Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with the Forum for Energy Reporters Bangladesh (FERB) at the company’s conference room in Sylhet on Tuesday, JGTDSL Managing Director Md Atiqur Rahman said the initiative is already underway.
He noted that around 50,000 smart prepaid meters have been installed using the company’s own funds, while a Development Project Proposal (DPP) has been submitted to secure financing for an additional 50,000 meters.
The managing director outlined a long-term plan extending to 2032, under which all 2,19,990 residential consumers - out of a total of 2,21,644 customers - will gradually be brought under the smart prepaid system.
According to him, the introduction of these meters has already contributed to a significant reduction in system loss, which currently stands at 0.7 per cent. The company now aims to lower this figure further to 0.5 per cent by maintaining the current pace of implementation.
JGTDSL estimates that installing 50,000 meters between 2026 and 2028 will cost around Tk183.15 crore, while a further 1,20,000 meters are planned for installation during 2029-2032 at an estimated cost ofTk 465.96 crore.
Atiqur Rahman also highlighted that there are no unauthorised residential gas connections under the company’s jurisdiction, underscoring efforts to maintain accountability in distribution.
He added that gas supply remains stable, with the company currently distributing about 328.66 million cubic feet per day. In March of the 2025-26 fiscal year alone, JGTDSL sold 2,233.280 million cubic feet of gas.
In addition to operational achievements, the company contributed Tk230.36 crore to the national exchequer in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
The meeting was attended by FERB Chairman Azizur Rahman Ripon, Executive Director Shirajul Islam, Vice Chairman Hasan Azad, along with other members and officials.
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