Owners of compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations have demanded a substantial increase in their commission, arguing that rising operating costs have made it increasingly difficult for businesses in the sector to remain financially viable.
At a press conference in Dhaka on Saturday, leaders of the Bangladesh CNG Filling Station and Conversion Workshop Owners' Association called for a 74.5 per cent increase in commission, raising it from the current Tk5 per cubic metre to Tk13.56 per cubic metre.
Representing around 500 CNG filling stations across the country, the association said the existing commission structure has remained largely unchanged despite significant increases in business expenses over the years. They also proposed an automatic adjustment mechanism that would allow commissions to rise in line with future increases in electricity and other operational costs.
The association warned that it would launch a tougher protest programme if the government fails to address its demands by 30 June.
According to the organisation, electricity tariffs have been raised seven times since 2015, while commissions for station owners have not been adjusted proportionately. As a result, operators have faced steadily rising production and operating costs without the ability to transfer those expenses to consumers because retail CNG prices remain fixed by the government.
Association leaders said a recommendation made by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources in 2013 to increase commissions and link future adjustments to electricity price hikes was only partially implemented. They claimed that a significant portion of the recommended increase remains outstanding.
The organisation further argued that inflation, higher minimum wages, increased foreign exchange rates, rising spare-parts costs and growing maintenance expenses have further squeezed profitability. Additional costs related to land leases, road access fees, licence renewals, employee benefits and bank guarantees have also increased substantially over the years.
They warned that many filling stations are now operating under severe financial pressure and some are at risk of closure if no corrective measures are taken.
Association leaders also alleged that despite repeated recommendations from government committees and ministries supporting their demands, implementation has been delayed for years due to bureaucratic complications.
