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Titas launches crackdown against unauthorised gas connections in Munshiganj
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/titas-launches-crackdown-against-unauthorised-gas-connections-munshiganj-809802
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The Business Standard
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Titas Gas Authority has conducted drives in Munshiganj's Gazaria to disconnect illegal gas connections in the upazila.The operation, led by NM Abdullah Al Mamun, the senior assistant commissioner of Munshiganj district administration, started at 11am today (16 March) from the upazila's Bausia Old Ferry Ghat area. The drive is expected to continue uninterrupted till 4pm. Today's operation began by cutting off the illegal gas connection of an iron foundry adjacent to Kazi Farms Limited.
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Industries in Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj still reeling from acute gas crisis despite Titas claims of improvement
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/energy/industries-dhaka-gazipur-nganj-still-reeling-acute-gas-crisis-despite-titas-claims
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The Business Standard
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Industries in Dhaka, Gazipur and Narayanganj continue to be afflicted by an acute gas crisis, even though Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company, the state-owned distributor of natural gas, claims the situation has improved.As reported in the media previously, garments and textiles firms in the industrial belt of these central districts have been suffering from an acute gas crisis for the last few months."The factories are in dire straits," a top top-level manager of a group of textile factories in Gazipur said.Most of the industries in Gazipur do not get adequate supply of gas during their operational periods, the most crucial hours during which their machines need to be running. Inadequate supply manifests in the form of low pressure gas flow, he added. Low pressure gas flow is akin to low voltage electricity - many appliances won't run, even though an electric charge is present. The textiles group official said that due to the lack of gas supply, production in various factories is being disrupted and they are on the verge of shutting down. In the ongoing gas crisis, important machines like generators and broilers in the dyeing section of the factories are not being run. This has been posing a great risk for the industries to continue their production and pushing them towards huge financial losses."Many industries would not be able to pay the salaries and festival bonuses during the coming Eid if the situation does not improve," said an industry owner. Industry insiders said there are more than 300 factories in Kaliakoir and other areas in Gazipur. All these industries have been suffering from the nagging gas crisis and some of them have already suspended their productions.Each of the industries has more than 1000 workers. But following the gas crisis, they have to reduce their production target while some of them use CNG at a higher cost to continue their operations.Petrobangla official statistics reveal that in the last one month the total gas supply across the country has increased by just 100 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) or so, leaving a deficit between production and supply of about 1,500 mmcfd.The Petrobangla data shows that on 16 February it produced 2,671 mmcfd gas including its import from abroad against a demand for more than 4,000 mmcfd.The TItas Gas data also shows that about 30 power plants now remained out of operation due to gas shortage.
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Titas plans new gas lines around Dhaka despite supply uncertainty
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/energy/titas-plans-new-gas-lines-around-dhaka-despite-supply-uncertainty-788014
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The Business Standard
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Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited in Bangladesh has proposed a significant investment of approximately Tk5,120.75 crore ($465.52 million) to enhance the natural gas supply infrastructure in several regions near Dhaka, including Savar, Dhamrai, Manikganj, Saturia, and Aricha. This project aims to install new gas pipelines and replace existing ones affected by highway expansions. The initiative seeks to resolve ongoing issues like inadequate gas supply and low pressure experienced by various consumers such as industries, captive power producers, commercial and domestic units, and CNG stations. Despite concerns about the current uncertainty of gas availability, the government has plans to augment supply through the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the future. Currently, the total gas supply in Bangladesh is between 3,000-3,100mmscfd, which falls short of the demand of approximately 3,700mmscfd. The planned infrastructure improvements include constructing a 24-inch diameter, 62km transmission line from Elenga Compressor Station to Manikganj with a pressure rating of 1,000 psig, and a 20-inch diameter, 22.752km distribution line from Manikganj to Dhamrai with 300 psig pressure. The existing 12-inch pipeline, operating at 150 psig, is inadequate, leading to no-gas situations during peak times. The project also involves relocating pipelines currently under the middle of expanded highways to the sides of the road for safety and accessibility. The total authorized gas load for the regions of Tangail, Manikganj, and Savar is 312mmscfd, but current usage is only around 200mmscfd, indicating a significant deficit. The project's total cost includes a proposed $253.06 million in foreign funding and is slated for completion by June 2027. Overall, this project is designed to meet growing industrial demand, improve service reliability, and ensure safety along major transportation routes.
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Systems loss facility withdrawal eats Titas Gas profits. Company posts 62% dip in profits in first half of FY24
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https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/systems-loss-facility-withdrawal-eats-titas-gas-profits-784758
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The Business Standard
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Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd - a publicly traded state-owned firm - reported a 62% year-on-year decline in its profit in the first half of 2023-24 fiscal. However, it has reported a notable growth by 82% to Tk17,184 crore in revenue - generated from gas sales - owing to the hiking of gas price in the last year. In January 2023, the government hiked gas prices for power, industries, and commercial [hotel and restaurant] sectors up to 179%. Also, Titas' operational income generated from meter rent, connection charges, late payment penalties, demand charge and penalties for illegal connections increased by 50% to Tk605 crore. Despite such a growth in revenue, the company's net profit declined to Tk46.82 crore during July to December 2023, down from Tk124.91 crore in the corresponding period of 2022.Talking to The Business Standard, Arpana Islam, general manager (Finance) at Titas Gas, attributed the profit decline to two factors - the government's decision to withdraw the 2% systems loss facility and the increase in operating expenses."Titas Gas enjoyed 2% systems loss facility over revenue, but lifting the facility, now systems loss is counted on the actual basis. That is why its profit declined," she said. As the facility was withdrawn, the company's gross profit fell by 44%, and operating loss stood at Tk120 crore. While riding on its non-operating income by Tk189 crore - basically investment and financial income from the fixed deposits - it managed to be profitable finally. Titas Gas to issue preference shares to government. Titas Gas has decided to issue irredeemable non-cumulative preference shares to the government against share money deposits worth Tk282.75 crore. To secure shareholders' approval in this regard, the company called an extra-ordinary general meeting on 20 March through the digital platform
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Systems loss facility withdrawal eats Titas Gas profits. Company posts 62% dip in profits in first half of FY24
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https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/systems-loss-facility-withdrawal-eats-titas-gas-profits-784758
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The Business Standard
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Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd - a publicly traded state-owned firm - reported a 62% year-on-year decline in its profit in the first half of 2023-24 fiscal. However, it has reported a notable growth by 82% to Tk17,184 crore in revenue - generated from gas sales - owing to the hiking of gas price in the last year. In January 2023, the government hiked gas prices for power, industries, and commercial [hotel and restaurant] sectors up to 179%. Also, Titas' operational income generated from meter rent, connection charges, late payment penalties, demand charge and penalties for illegal connections increased by 50% to Tk605 crore. Despite such a growth in revenue, the company's net profit declined to Tk46.82 crore during July to December 2023, down from Tk124.91 crore in the corresponding period of 2022.Talking to The Business Standard, Arpana Islam, general manager (Finance) at Titas Gas, attributed the profit decline to two factors - the government's decision to withdraw the 2% systems loss facility and the increase in operating expenses."Titas Gas enjoyed 2% systems loss facility over revenue, but lifting the facility, now systems loss is counted on the actual basis. That is why its profit declined," she said. As the facility was withdrawn, the company's gross profit fell by 44%, and operating loss stood at Tk120 crore. While riding on its non-operating income by Tk189 crore - basically investment and financial income from the fixed deposits - it managed to be profitable finally. Titas Gas to issue preference shares to government. Titas Gas has decided to issue irredeemable non-cumulative preference shares to the government against share money deposits worth Tk282.75 crore. To secure shareholders' approval in this regard, the company called an extra-ordinary general meeting on 20 March through the digital platform
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Titas charging Tk200 monthly from January to adjust cost of each meter 'The service is being adjusted by collecting monthly charges for the convenience of consumers, rather than taking the total cost of the meter all together,' said Titas
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/energy/titas-charging-tk200-monthly-january-adjust-cost-each-meter-783498
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The Business Standard
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The Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company has decided to charge consumers Tk200 monthly from January to adjust the costs of running and maintaining each meter. In a clarification on Monday (29 January), the company said, "After the pre-paid meter charge of Titas Gas was recently hiked to Tk200 [from the previous Tk100 charge], there has been some confusion among consumers. Considering the life of each pre-paid meter is 10 years, and its cost, installation, web system, meter and server maintenance charges, the cost of each meter is more or less Tk25,000."Titas Gas Company has purchased all these meters by taking loans, the statement reads. "The service is being adjusted by collecting monthly charges for the convenience of consumers, rather than taking the total cost of the meter altogether," said Titas. According to the recent decision of the government, the monthly charge of residential pre-paid meter of all gas distribution companies under Petrobangla has been set at Tk200, effective from January, it added. "For the convenience of consumers, the government has fixed the price of residential gas at Tk18 per cubic metre only," according to Titas. But in 2023, the combined price of gas produced in the country and imported LNG was much higher than Tk18 per cubic metre on average, it said. That is, the government has to pay a subsidy against every cubic metre of gas in the residential sector. "Therefore, the increase in gas prices in the residential sector is inevitable," said Titas.
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Titas Gas: How a profitable state firm slips into red. After incurring Tk167 crore losses in FY23, the publicly listed firm has recommended a meagre 5% cash dividend for its shareholders, down from 10% in the previous fiscal year.
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https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/titas-gas-how-profitable-state-firm-slips-red-727454
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The Business Standard
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Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited has unveiled a significant investment project of approximately Tk5,120.75 crore ($465.52 million) to install new gas pipelines and upgrade existing infrastructure in the areas around Dhaka, including Savar, Dhamrai, Manikganj, Saturia, and Aricha. The primary objectives of this initiative are to improve gas supply reliability to existing consumers and new industrial setups, address issues of low gas pressure, and facilitate economic development in these regions.
Enhanced Gas Pipeline Installation: A new 24-inch diameter transmission pipeline will be constructed, running 62km from Elenga Compressor Station to Manikganj, designed to operate at a high pressure of 1,000 psig. Additionally, a 20-inch diameter distribution line stretching 22.752km from Manikganj to Dhamrai will be established at 300 psig pressure.
Replacement of Existing Pipelines: The project plans to replace current pipelines located beneath the Joydevpur-Mymensingh and Dhaka-Tangail highways, which have shifted due to road expansions and now present safety and maintenance challenges.
Current and Projected Gas Demand: The total gas demand from consumers in Tangail, Manikganj, and Savar is 312mmscfd, with current usage at approximately 200mmscfd, indicating a shortfall of 112mmscfd. The expected demand growth in these regions is projected at 168mmscfd.
Project Financing: The project's total cost is estimated at $465.52 million, with $253.06 million proposed to be funded through foreign loans. The Bangladesh government initially intended to fund the project but has opted for external financing based on recommendations from the finance ministry.
Economic Development Initiatives: The government is also planning to establish new economic zones in these areas, which are anticipated to drive further industrial growth. Gas connections for these zones are currently prioritized despite the overall pause on new domestic gas connections.
Feasibility and Implementation: The feasibility study for the project was conducted by the Infrastructure Investment Facilitation Company (IIFC), and the project proposal has been submitted to the Planning Commission for initial approval. The implementation target completion date is June 2027.
This project comes amid challenges, including existing gas supply inadequacies and criticisms from energy experts who question the feasibility of expanding infrastructure in the face of uncertain gas supply and the high costs of importing LNG. Despite these concerns, the project aims to address critical infrastructure needs and support regional industrial growth.
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Panic grips Munshiganj sadar following gas leakage at multiple locations. Meshbah Uddin Ahmed, manager of Titas Gas's Munshiganj office, said they have been addressing the gas leakage issue in the Hatimara area for the past three days
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https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/titas-gas-how-profitable-state-firm-slips-red-727454
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The Business Standard
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Fear gripped the residents of several areas in Munshiganj sadar upazila due to gas leaks occurring at multiple locations in the Titas gas pipeline. According to locals, when it rains, gas bubbles emerge in various parts of the upazila including Manikpur, Deobhogh, Old Bus Stand, Idrakpur, Kotgaon, Panchsar, Natungaon, and Nayagaon Hatimara. Despite repeated reports of gas leaks persisting for months, the Titas gas authority was found to be reluctant to take necessary measures to address the issue, they alleged. Currently, gas leakage is occurring at multiple points along the transmission pipeline, stretching from the Manikpur area of the city to the supermarket. This issue has resulted in the formation of potholes along various sections of the road, causing disruptions to the road surface. This situation is adversely affecting individuals from all walks of life who travel on this road. Malekun Maqsud Vipul, a resident of the Deobhog area, reported a severe gas leakage near the Deobhog market road and someone set fire to the leakage."Despite multiple attempts, the residents failed to reach Titas Gas authorities through phone calls," he said. Later they called 999 and the fire service personnel arrived and managed to bring the situation under control.The residents expressed apprehension of significant accidents if prompt action is not taken regarding the gas leakage. Md Robel, a shopkeeper of Manikpur area, reported an ongoing gas leakage issue in the vicinity. He said the leakage has persisted over an extended period, affecting not only his shop but also several areas nearby."The situation becomes particularly concerning during rainy periods. The gas leakage has damaged the road," he added. Meshbah Uddin Ahmed, manager of Titas Gas's Munshiganj office, said they have been addressing the gas leakage issue in the Hatimara area for the past three days. He assured that their efforts will gradually extend to all affected areas.
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Govt hikes distribution charge of Titas
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/energy/govt-hikes-distribution-charge-titas-668818
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The Business Standard
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After six months of the country's highest-ever retail gas price hike, the government has now increased the distribution charges for gas production, transmission, and distribution companies.
The additional charges will be effective for gas consumption in July, as stated in separate orders issued by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources on Thursday.
According to the order, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited, the largest and only gas distribution utility in the country, will earn an additional Tk0.08 per cubic meter (CM) of gas sales, as its distribution charges have been increased to Tk0.2100 from Tk0.1300 per cubic meter. However, the increased charges will not impact consumers as they will be sourced from the retail rate, which was hiked on 18 January this year. At that time, with the help of the amended form of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Act - which allows the Power Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry to set all kinds of energy prices, bypassing the regulator's jurisdiction at any time - gas prices were hiked by a staggering 179%, with an eye on eliminating subsidies and cutting the fiscal deficit. Apart from the increase in gas distribution companies' charges, the Energy and Mineral Resource Division also raised the transmission charge per unit of gas by Tk0.54 to Tk1.02 CM from Tk0.48CM. The wellhead margin for state-owned gas production companies was also increased. As per the new order, Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration & Production Company Limited (BAPEX) will receive Tk4, while Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Limited (BGFCL), and Sylhet Gas Fields Limited (SGFL) will receive Tk1 each, for producing per cubic meter of gas. At present, Bapex gets Tk3.0414 per CM, while BGFCL gets Tk0.7097 and SGFL Tk0.2028 per CM.
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Locals lay siege to Titas office in Savar protesting gas crisis
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/locals-lay-siege-titas-office-savar-protesting-gas-crisis-666410
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The Business Standard
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Local residents in the Fulbaria area of Savar laid siege to the Titas Gas office on Sunday to protest the unavailability of gas in their localities. The protesters said over the past two weeks, more than 10 villages in Fulbaria have been experiencing a severe gas shortage. The residents are enduring significant hardships due to the crisis. Altaf Hossain, a resident affected by the gas shortage, shared that he is compelled to purchase breakfast from a hotel every morning due to the unavailability of gas. Mentioning that this crisis persists throughout the day, including at night, Altaf said while neighboring areas have access to gas, their specific locality remains deprived. "We have a valid gas connection, so why are we not getting gas? We cannot afford to buy new cylinders with our limited income," he lamented. Abu Saleh Mohammad Khademuddin, manager of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited's Savar zonal office, said the gas shortage issue in certain areas of Savar arises due to the considerable distance between the source and Savar, resulting in pressure drops."Additionally, disruptions in LNG supply to the sea due to meteorological reasons also contribute to the problem. The higher authorities have already been informed of the matter," he added. He also said that a separate pipeline is being planned from the source to directly connect Savar and Manikganj to address the existing issues. The Planning Division of Titas is actively engaged in working on this matter to ensure a viable solution, the official said.
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Employees have little involvement in illegal gas connection: Titas Gas MD
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/energy/workers-have-little-involvement-illegal-gas-connection-titas-gas-md-663206
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The Business Standard
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Employees have little involvement in illegal gas connection, as most connecting lines have been installed by outsiders, including local political leaders, supporters of local lawmakers and welding technicians, said Managing Director of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited Md Haronur Rashid Mullah. Addressing a press conference in the capital's Titas Gas Bhaban on Monday, Haronur Rashid said, "Media often talks about Titas Gas employees' alleged involvement with illegal gas connection, but they could hardly catch my staff red-handed."He added, "Due to our zero-tolerance commitment to illegal gas use, we have taken action against 228 employees for their involvement. Of these, 8 were fired, and 16 were suspended."Besides, the licenses of 55-60 contractors were cancelled based on the alleged involvement in illegal connections, he said. Presenting a description of the gas company's activities against illegal gas connections, Titas Gas managing director said his organisation, from October 2021 to June 2023, conducted a total of 28,398 operations at a cost of Tk6.46 crore against illegal connections and bill defaulters. "We removed 6.02 lakh burner connections and 1,091 industrial, commercial, captive and CNG connections for illegal use and bill defaulters," he said. During this time, Titas Gas charged Tk312.81 crore as extra bills and Tk91.25 crore as fines, he noted. Titas Gas is responsible for distributing natural gas through pipelines across the capital city Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions. It has around 28.74 lakh gas connections in these two divisions, reads its official data. Among others, Titas Gas Chief Executive was accompanied by its General Manager (Metro Dhaka Marketing Division- North) Md. Emam Uddin Sheikh and General Manager (Finance Division) Arpana Islam.
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Titas to issue Tk258cr preference shares to govt at flexible conditions
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https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/titas-issue-tk258cr-preference-shares-govt-flexible-conditions-638238
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The Business Standard
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Titas Gas Transmission Company Limited has been instructed to issue preference shares to the government against its total Tk257.98 crore share money deposit with the state-owned gas distributor for the Dhaka and Mymensingh region. At a meeting on 16 April, a committee formed with officials from the finance ministry, Titas, and the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) made the decision to issue irredeemable non-cumulative preference shares in favour of the government and the prescribed way seems to be flexible enough to offer the struggling company a breathing space. The proposed conditions imply, if Titas makes more profits the government will get high dividends against the preference shares and in cases of annual losses no dividends will be given. The preference shares that do not increase a company's paid-up capital or common share capital will remain there perpetually as they are irredeemable, and Titas will not have to pay the government any previous year's unpaid preference share dividends due to the "non-cumulative" nature.Unlike common shares, preference shareholders are not the owner of the company; they instead enjoy a priority over common shareholders in getting dividends and redemption rights in cases of bankruptcy.The committee has formulated guidelines on issuing preference shares and their dividends.The formula adopted suggests if Titas issues preference shares against its entire Tk257.98 crore in share money deposit from the government, the government would be entitled to get Tk16.45 crore in preferred dividends for the fiscal 2021-22, a 6.37% yield for the particular year. At the current capital structure, if the entire share money deposit is converted into preference shares Titas Gas will have to pay 20.685% of one-fourth of its net profit after taxes. Titas gas has been in a gradually narrowing gross profit margin as the energy regulator kept reducing its distribution charges. The publicly traded state-owned company, once treated as a stable source of cash dividends, has incurred Tk117 crore losses in the January-March quarter this year for the first time after stock market listing in 2008. At present, the government holds 75% of the ordinary shares of Titas Gas, and the remaining shares are held by institutional and general investors. Md Nur Hossain Khan, deputy general manager and in-charge of the share department at Titas, told The Business Standard, "After several meetings with the ministry, it has been decided to issue preference shares against share money deposits. We have also received a letter from the ministry to this end." Titas' paid-up capital is Tk989.1 crore, and the number of shares is 98.92 crore while the face value of the shares is Tk10 apiece. On 2 March 2020, the FRC directed that the capital received as a share money deposit, or whatever the name is, that is included in the equity part of any company that cannot be refunded and the said amount be converted into share capital within six months from the date of such receipt. Further, such share money deposits shall be considered in the calculation of earnings per share. Titas shares were stuck on the floor price of Tk40.9 on the Dhaka Stock Exchange on Wednesday.
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No need to panic, Titas tells Dhaka residents as gas leak worries grow
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/dont-panic-titas-tells-bangladeshi-residents-gas-leak-worries-grow-621426
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The Business Standard
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Due to a shutdown of gas supply to industrial plants during Eid, gas pressure in transmission and distribution lines increased, resulting in an overflow. This meant the smell of gas was more prevalent than usual. Amid a deluge of social media posts warning Dhaka residents to be careful of gas use, Titas said there was no reason to panic. Due to a shutdown of gas supply to industrial plants during Eid, gas pressure in transmission and distribution lines increased, resulting in an overflow. This meant the smell of gas was more prevalent than usual. The Titas emergency and technical teams are working on the matter. "City dwellers are advised not to panic," the message from Titas read. A senior official of the Titas Gas said on condition of anonymity that the gas pressure has increased in Dhaka due to the closure of all industrial plants during the Eid holiday. There are small holes in the lines in many places of Dhaka city, he said, adding that gas did not leak through those during regular periods. Odorants are used to check gas leakage and the chemical could be the reason behind the panic, he said. Previously, gas odorants were not used. Customers can report any complaints related to the Titas Gas by dialling 16496.
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Titas gas cuts 106 gas connections in capital's Sobhanbagh
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/energy/titas-gas-cuts-106-gas-connections-capitals-sobhanbagh-603450
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The Business Standard
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Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited, the largest gas distribution company in the country, has cut off 106 gas connections in the Sobhanbagh area of Dhaka Tuesday. The connections were cut off after checking 256 consumers' premises during a drive, said a press release issued by Titas Gas. Of the disconnected consumers, 98 had overdue bills, while the remaining eight were using gas illegally. Md Rashidul Alam, general manager (Metro Dhaka Revenue Division) of Titas Gas, said the connections were cut during a drive by the Titas Gas task force in different areas of Dhaka Metropolitan Marketing and Revenue Division-5. "Before conducting the operation, Titas Gas authorities issued repeated notices requesting the customers to pay the outstanding bills. Those who have not paid their bills are being disconnected. At the same time illegal gas connections are being cut off," he said. In order to ensure smooth gas supply to authorised customers and recover outstanding bills, Titas Gas cut around 4 lakh illegal connections at different consumer levels last year. Md Haronur Rashid Mullah, managing director of Titas Gas, earlier told The Business Standard that the operations to cut off illegal connections at all consumer levels will be continued. "We have announced zero tolerance to illegal gas users. This year, along with the private connection, we are going to cut off the public organisations' connections that have outstanding gas bills," he said. Titas Gas - the largest among the six state-owned gas distribution companies - supplies gas to customers in Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions. Currently, the company has around 28.77 lakh connections, among which 28.58 lakhs are domestic, said sources at Titas Gas.
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2 jailed, fined in Narayanganj over illegal gas connections
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/crime/2-jailed-fined-nganj-over-illegal-gas-connections-592778
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The Business Standard
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A Narayanganj court sentenced two men to one year of rigorous imprisonment and fined each Tk10,000 for having illegal gas connections in their buildings. After hearing a case filed by the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited, the Narayanganj Senior Judicial Magistrate Court-1, on 29 February, handed down the verdict. In default of the fine, they will have to serve two more months' jail term, said a press release issued on Tuesday. The convicts - Md Altaf Hossain and Md Arif Hossain - are residents of the Ramarbagh and Kutubpur areas of Fatullah upazila. Titas Gas Zonal Sales office in Fatullah had disconnected the gas supply line of the two buildings in the aforesaid areas for using five double burners and 15 single burners illegally. Then, the company filed a case with the Fatullah police station against the two owners of the buildings. According to the Bangladesh Gas Act 2010, consumption of natural gas illegally is punishable by three months to a year of jail term and subject to fines between Tk10,000 and Tk5 lakh.
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Titas cuts off illegal gas line of a factory in Savars
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/energy/titas-cuts-illegal-gas-line-factory-savar-577438
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The Business Standard
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The state-owned Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited (TGTDCL) has disconnected the illegal gas connection of a factory in Savar. During a drive on Tuesday (31 January), the authorities of Titas Gas cut off the gas line of a paper factory, Swiss Quality Paper (BD) Ltd, in Rajashan area of Savar. Engineer Md Ashraful Islam, deputy general manager of vigilance department at Titas Gas, led the drive. Managing Engineer Jahangir Alam of the same department, Managing Engineer Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem of Titas Gas Savar zonal office and other officials were also present. Ashraful Islam told The Business Standard that, "Another company named Marhaba Synthetic Mills Ltd owned by the same owner of Swiss Quality Paper (BD) Ltd has a legal connection of Titas gas. The authorities of this (Swiss Quality Paper) company have also applied for gas connection which is under process for approval.""But before getting legal gas connection, the company bypassed and continued production with illegal gas connection in the factory. After getting this information, we raided the factory this morning and disconnected the illegal connection," he said. The local zonal office will now assess the amount of gas used illegally here and take further action, he added. He also said, "We are assuming that they have been using this gas by bypassing the meter of the other factory (Marhaba Synthetic Factory LTD) located beside this one which has a legal connection." The authorities of the factories could not be reached for comment despite several attempts.
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Industries keen for energy efficiency, Titas stands in the way
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/energy/industries-keen-energy-efficiency-titas-stands-way-589230
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The Business Standard
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The situation in Bangladesh's industrial sector, particularly among entrepreneurs investing in energy-efficient generators, is facing significant bureaucratic and procedural delays, impacting their ability to realize the cost savings from reduced energy consumption. Here's a detailed summary of the current issues: Bureaucratic Delays and Connection Issues: Entrepreneurs are experiencing long waits for new gas connections required to operate energy-efficient generators. Despite significant investments, such as one entrepreneur who spent Tk5 crore on two generators and an additional Tk20 lakh in bribes, they still face delays. The new generators, capable of producing 35% more energy (from 1,050 kWh to over 1,400 kWh) with the same gas usage, remain unused due to the lack of connections. Business Impact and Energy Savings: Businesses like Shasha Denims benefit from energy-efficient generators that perform well even under low gas pressures (below 10psi). These generators are crucial for preventing production losses and are more fuel-efficient. A study by the Asian Development Bank indicated potential energy savings up to 41% in sectors like steel and iron, and 18% in other industries like agro-processing and jute. Institutional Responses: Titas Gas, responsible for gas connections, argues that the approval process is lengthy as each proposal must be veted by the company board. They claim to approve 5-10 proposals per board meeting, but the backlog remains significant, with over 100 applications pending. Meanwhile, energy-efficient initiatives and loans are supported by other organizations like Sreda and Idcol, promoting renewable energy solutions. Regulatory and Financial Challenges: The Energy Regulatory Commission mandated a 0.25% rebate for users of co-generation-enabled machines, which has not been implemented due to the absence of a prepared methodology by Petrobangla. Entrepreneurs continue to face high costs and "speed money" demands, leading to production inefficiencies. Industry Status and Requests for Change: Many industries are not upgrading to efficient generators due to the cumbersome approval process and alleged lack of cooperation from Titas Gas officials. Only 30% of textile mills have energy-efficient machinery, despite the known benefits. Industry representatives urge authorities to simplify the process and eliminate corruption to facilitate timely upgrades and reduce production costs.
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Titas Gas' profit soars by 29% due to lower tax rate
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https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/titas-gas-profit-soars-29-due-lower-tax-rate-573950
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The Business Standard
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Lower corporate tax rate and increased investment and finance income helped Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company to post 29% higher profit in October-December quarter of 2022. But, in the first half of FY2023, its net profit declined by 12.44% to Tk124.90 crore over the same period of previous fiscal year due to gas distribution charge refixing by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) from Tk0.25 to Tk0.13 per cubic meter. In the current budget, the government reduced the corporate tax rate from 22.5% to 20% for listed companies.
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Target to realise Tk 400cr arrear bills: Titas disconnecting gas lines in DNCC areas
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/target-realise-tk-400cr-arrear-bills-titas-disconnecting-gas-lines-dncc-areas-531614
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The Business Standard
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The Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited has started a drive to disconnect gas connections of about 20,000 customers in the Dhaka metropolitan area - to realise Tk400 crore bills that are due."We started the drive in September this year. From today (Monday), the drive will be conducted mainly in Gulshan, Banani, Tejgaon, Nakhalpara, Tejkunipara and Badda areas under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC)," said Rashidul Alam, general manager (revenue) of Titas Gas. Thirty Titas Gas teams are now engaged in the drive against default consumers, he added. He informed that Titas has a total of 600,000 consumers under six zones in Dhaka metropolitan city. The zones are: Kuril, Motijheel-1, Motijheel-2, Tikatuli, Sobhanbagh and Mirpur. About 20,000 consumers have failed to pay the bills in time - with each zone having 3,000-3,500 defaulting consumers. "Most of these are household gas connections," said Rashidul Hasan, adding that if the defaulting consumers pay their arrear bills within a specific date, Titas will restore their connections. Titas officials said they have been issuing notices to the defaulting consumers for a long time to pay their respective outstanding bills. But many consumers are still not heeding to the notices. Titas Gas has a total of 2.8 million consumers across its command areas - mainly in greater Dhaka and Mymensingh, according to officials. Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur, Narsingdi, Munshiganj, Manikganj, Mymensingh, Tangail, Sherpur, Jamalpur are in the Titas areas. Officials of Titas said that there are a huge number of illegal gas connections in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur and Munshiganj areas. "These illegal gas connections could be over 300,000 in Titas areas, although the exact number could not be confirmed," Rashidul Hasan said.
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Titas Gas cuts off 6km illegal gas line in Munshiganj
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/crime/titas-gas-cuts-6km-illegal-gas-line-munshiganj-528154
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The Business Standard
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The authorities of Titas Gas have cut off 6km of illegal gas line during a drive in Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj. The line provided about 10,000 unauthorised gas connections, said Gazaria Assistant Commissioner (land) GM Rashedul Islam who led the mobile court as the executive magistrate. Engineer Suruj Alam, deputy general manager of Titas Gas' Sonargaon regional office, said they started the drive to disconnect the illegal connections from Laskardi-Bhavanipur area of Gazaria around 10am Tuesday (8 November). During the drive, Mohammad Ali, a resident of Laskardi village, was fined Tk4,000 for using illegal gas connection in his house, said Suruj. "We have information that there are several more illegal gas lines in Gazaria, all of which will be severed by carrying out operations in phases," added Suruj.
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Worry as Titas sees profit falling
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/worry-titas-sees-profit-falling-513550
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The Business Standard
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Gas distribution charge was slashed in June, which affected the overall profit of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited in FY22. The last fiscal year was a rough ride for Titas Gas, according to officials, thanks to a drop in gas distribution charges while the cost of sales and administrative expenses surged. These factors have eaten into the profit of the gas transmission and distribution company for FY22, forcing Titas to announce the lowest cash dividend since 2015 at 10% to its stakeholders for the last fiscal year. "Apart from prompting financial crises for us, reduced gas distribution charge will make the company vulnerable in the stock market," a finance wing official of Titas Gas told The Business Standard on condition of anonymity. In June this year, the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) reduced the distribution charge to Tk0.13 per cubic metre gas from Tk0.25. But the authorities raised the gas prices in that month.But the price hike could not ease the pressure on the company as Titas officials say distribution charge is their main source of earning.In FY22, the gas distributor posted a Tk317 crore profit, which is 8.21%, or Tk28.43 crore, less than in the previous year. Titas officials attributed the distribution charge drop mainly for the profit fall."Distribution charges were reduced in the last month of the fiscal year. But the one-month shake-up was strong enough to negatively affect overall profit. The situation may get worse in the coming days," commented the Titas finance wing official.In FY22, Titas also witnessed the cost of sales - the cost required to manufacture or purchase a product that is then sold to a customer - and administrative expenses rising. Besides, the volume of sales ticked down last year on the back of supply crunch. In FY21, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited offered a 22% cash dividend to the shareholders. The news about Titas's profit and revenue drop pulled the company's share price by 2.39% to Tk40.90 each on Thursday. In FY22, the company posted Tk1,8370 crore in revenue from gas sales and other sources, Tk504 crore or 2.82% more than in the previous year, due to around a 22% hike in gas price. Till 30 June 2021, Titas had 28.76 lakh clients, of whom 28.56 lakh were household customers. Besides, the company had 12,076 commercial customers. According to the company's annual financial statement, it sold 15,858.26 million cubic metres (mmcm) of gas in FY21. In FY22, sales plummeted to 15,657 mmcm thanks to a supply crunch.Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited was established in 1964. After the emergence of Bangladesh, the company was nationalised and its overall activities were placed under the supervision and control of the Bangladesh Oil, Gas & Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla). It got listed on the stock exchanges in 2008 under direct listing by offloading 25% of its shares. Petrobangla holds the remaining 75% shares of the company.
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BGMEA seeks empathy to Titas over Tk78cr dues
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https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/rmg/bgmea-seeks-empathy-titas-over-tk78cr-dues-268654
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The Business Standard
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The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA) has requested the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited to show "empathy" as 129 apparel-makers with the Association membership are yet to clear Tk78 crore outstanding gas bills. The gas supplier on 16 June sent separate lists of the gas bill defaulting apparel and textile manufacturers to Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), and the BGMEA. Subsequently, the BGMEA replied to Titas on 27 June after verifying the due claims. The Association said it has asked the member factories to pay the dues as soon as possible. According to BGMEA estimation, the number of gas bill defaulting factories is 129 with the outstanding dues of Tk78 crore, though Titas claimed 244 garment-makers owe around Tk143 crore to it. The BGMEA says 73 of the 129 factories have utility dues ranging from one to three months. The garment manufacturers association told Titas that it usually takes 120 days from receiving the orders to getting export bills after shipment. Therefore, Titas should only take actions against the apparel makers whose dues exceed 90 days. The Association said, "Ready-made garment manufacturers are sincere about paying the utility bills, and they have been paying the gas bills regularly. Sometimes there are delays in payments due to unwanted situations." With more than Tk747 crore dues to 625 textile and garments manufacturers until May this year, the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited got tough to recover the outstanding bills. The gas supplier said the government has been bringing in liquefied natural gas (LNG) since 2018 as the import bills have to be cleared as soon as the carrier docks. Any delay in the payments meets with additional fines. The import payments led to a cash crunch in Titas resulting in the distributor to get tough now against the dues. The Business Standard recently ran a report on the issue.
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RAB arrests man for embezzling Tk10cr utility bill
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/crime/man-held-embezzling-tk10cr-titas-gas-bills-257179
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The Business Standard
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The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested a man who allegedly embezzled Tk10 crore that was collected as utility bills from Dhaka's Mirpur residents. RAB said the arrestee Md Omar Faruq, 32, cheated around 1,500 residents and embezzled the money in three years — from 2018 to 2020. At a media briefing Monday, RAB-4 Commanding Officer and also the Additional Deputy Inspector General of police Md Mozammel Haque said they arrested the accused from Chattogram's Sitakunda area on Monday midnight as Omar Faruq was on the run since January this year. Omar Faruq had a mobile-based financial service shop "Intern Banking and Commerce" in Ahmednagar area of Mirpur. RAB said the accused used to collect utility bills of the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited, Desco and Dhaka Wasa from the locals. "Instead of depositing the fees to the service providers, he had been pocketing it all in the last three years," said Mozammel Haque. In January this year, Titas told the Mirpur residents that it would cut off gas lines to around 1,500 households due to non-payments for more than three years. Following the announcement, the locals rushed to Omar Faruq as he fled from the scene after shutting the shop. The residents then took to the street and staged protests. Subsequently, a case was filed against Omar Faruq with the Mirpur Model Police Station on 2 February 2021. Hailing from Noakhali's Kabirhat Upazilla, RAB said the accused came to Dhaka in 2014 after passing the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exam. He joined a mobile banking service shop at Mogabazar that year as a salesman. Later, he opened his own outlet at Mirpur. The RAB-4 commanding officer also claimed that the accused opened more than five bank accounts to embezzle the money — that is believed to be already laundered into other businesses. In 2018, he opened the ''Intern Banking and Commerce'' in Mirpur-2 area. The website of the business entity claimed it was an authorised agent banking institution. Omar Faruq also introduced two other organisations named "Atut Bandhon" — a multi-level marketing company — and "Nobo Cash" for mobile banking services. While replying to a query, RAB-4 commanding officer said some Titas Gas staffers and officials of a private bank might be involved in the scam. The RAB officials could not give any hint where all the money had gone, or explain how he managed to avoid detention until June. Contacted, Titas's General Manager (Administration Division) Md Munir Hossain Khan told The Business Standard that the arrestee had no connection with the gas distribution company.
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Gas crisis disrupts industrial production, raises cost
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/energy/gas-crisis-disrupts-industrial-production-raises-cost-137767
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The Business Standard
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Traders are being deprived of desired profit, while many have shut down production due to insufficient gas. Manikganj industries suffer due to gas crisis.The cost of production is increasing in industrial factories of Manikganj due to an acute gas crisis. As the demand for gas is much higher than its supply, industries in the district are having to keep production activities normal through alternatives.Businesses are being deprived of the desired profit, while many have already shut down production due to insufficient gas. They complained that the gas authorities have not taken any effective steps in this regard. Manikganj Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Authority covers areas ranging from Islampur in Dhamrai upazila to Dhaka-Aricha Ghat area of Shibalaya upazila in Manikganj. There are 71 manufacturing industries, 19 CNG stations, 1,242 residential and 33 commercial customers of Titas in the area. Jamal Uddin, manager of J and J Essential Products in the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (Bscic) area inManikganj, said their factory used to produce mosquito coils and electric lamps. The production of these two products is now completely shut down due to non-availability of gas as per the demand. nce they get the gas supply, they will be able to resume the production, Jamal said. Md Kalim Uddin, deputy general manager (Production) at Rising Spinning Mill in Nayadingi area in Saturia upazila, said the production activities of the factory have to be kept normal by using electricity as there is no gas as per the demand. On average, at least Tk50 lakh is being spent every month, he continued, "We've informed the gas authorities of the low supply of gas, but the problem is yet to be resolved." The spinning mill needs five PSIs (pounds per square inch) of gas pressure to keep production normal. There is only one PSI. As a result, they are forced to use electricity, said the official of Rising Spinning Mill. Monir Ahmed Khan, the owner of a CNG station in Manikganj, said the gas pressure remains fairly normal from 12 am to 5 am, but it remains very low for the rest of the time. This is why there is an inconsistency in the gas bill of Titus with that used for vehicles, he added."The amount of gas we put in the car is less than that showed by the metre because the pressure is low, which causes loss," he claimed. He also said the authorities have not taken any step to address the problem even after being notified about the matter more than once. He mentioned that his gas station has been closed for several months. Owners of several other factories and CNG stations said the gas problem is quite old in Manikganj. The industrial factories of this area have somehow survived in this way. As a result, even after being a district next to the capital, the entrepreneurs are reluctant to set up new industries due to lack of gas.
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Six leakages found at Salah Jame Mosque in Narayanganj
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/six-leakages-found-salah-jame-mosque-nganj-130858
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The Business Standard
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A total of six leakages have been found in Titas Gas pipeline beneath the Baitul Salah Jame Mosque located at Narayanganj Sadar upazila where air conditioner (AC) explosion occurred on Friday that already claimed 28 lives. Leakages occurred during the construction of the foundation of the mosque over the Titas gas pipeline, said Titas Gas general manager Abdul Wahab Talukder today, who also heads the Titas investigation committee set up to investigate the blast. "Titas has found six such leaks in its gas pipe," he added. After investing the line, he said the authority concerned was able to find and stop the gas leakage at the mosque around 6 pm today. He said the report of the probe committee formed by Titas would be submitted to the department concerned today, citing the findings of the on-the-spot investigation.
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6.2% Titas gas risers leaky
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/energy/62-titas-gas-risers-leaky-130294
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The Business Standard
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Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company recently conducted a survey and discovered that 35,000 out of 5.65 lakh gas risers (approximately 6.2%) are leaky. The company serves about 28.66 lakh consumers connected through 12 lakh risers. Risers are vertically oriented pipes used for transmitting fluids or gases. Officials anonymously expressed that gas pipeline leakage issues are severe, attributing the problem to substandard equipment and haphazard underground installations. The managing director, Ali Mohd Al-Mamun, admitted the absence of precise data on gas distribution line leakages. Leakages have been described as potentially fatal for city residents, highlighted by an incident in Narayanganj that killed 28 people. The fire department attributes around 30% of the capital's fire accidents to gas leaks, with such leaks causing approximately 1,000 fire incidents last year. In contrast, Titas Gas recorded only 208 fire accidents from a total of 5,876 gas leakages during 2018-2019. The growth in illegal gas connections, despite a government moratorium on new domestic gas connections since 2009 (briefly lifted in 2013), has exacerbated the situation. From 2014-2015 to 2018-2019, the number of domestic consumers surged from 1,897,317 to 2,846,419. Illegal connections often involve collusion between company employees and local influential figures, with "contractors" charging up to Tk100,000 for each unauthorized connection. Rajib Kumar Saha, deputy general manager of Titas Gas, pinpointed these illegal connections as a primary source of leaks, noting they often involve substandard materials prone to welding leaks and other issues, posing significant safety risks. To address the aging infrastructure, Titas Gas has planned a Tk1,277 crore project to replace old pipelines across 60 areas of Dhaka, covering 892 kilometers. However, this initiative is pending final approvals. Titas Gas claims to regularly address complaints and repair damaged lines within its 13,138km network across Dhaka, Gazipur, and Mymensingh.
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8 Titas Gas employees suspended over mosque blast
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/8-titas-gas-officials-suspended-over-narayanganj-mosque-blast-129610
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The Business Standard
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The Narayanganj Titas Gas Ltd has suspended its eight employees, including four engineers, over a mosque blast in West Fatullah, which claimed at least 27 lives. They have been suspended for their alleged negligence that led to the explosion, Ali Mohammad Al-Mamun, managing director of Titas Gas, told The Business Standard on Monday. They have also been served with a show-cause notice asking for explanations why they would not be dismissed from the job, he added. The suspended engineers include Mohammad Sirajul Islam, manager for Fatullah Zone, deputy manager Mahmudur Rahman Rabbi, and assistant engineers SM Hasan Shahriar and Manik Mia. The other employees facing the punishment include senior supervisor Moniobur Rahman Chowdhury, senior developer Md Ayub Ali, and assistants Hanif Mia and Ismail Prodhan. Local people have been blaming gas leakage from Titas' distribution pipelines for the blast.On Friday night last, around 150 people were attending Esha prayer when the incident took place. The explosion ripped through the mosque at once. All six ACs exploded at the same time and glasses of the windows were shattered. Around 40 injured were taken to a hospital in Narayanganj. Later doctors sent the critical patients to Dhaka and they were admitted to Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. The deadly blast of Friday night claimed 27 lives so far and 10 more are battling for their lives at the hospital.
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Negligence of Titas Gas took 23 lives, alleges mosque committee
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/negligence-titas-gas-took-20-lives-alleges-mosque-committee-128830
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The Business Standard
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In Narayanganj, Bangladesh, a severe explosion at Baitus Salat Jame Masjid, triggered by a gas leak, occurred during Isha prayer on a Friday night, resulting in the deaths of at least 23 individuals and injuries to 14 others. Prior to the incident, the mosque committee had reported the gas leakage beneath the mosque's ground floor to Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited approximately nine months ago, but no action was taken allegedly due to a refusal to pay a bribe of TK50,000. This claim was denied by Titas Gas, with the Managing Director stating that no official complaints had been received. The explosion, which was powerful enough to detonate all six air conditioners inside the mosque and shatter window glass, happened with around 150 worshippers present. Abdul Gafur, the mosque committee president and a local union parishad member, indicated the mosque had transformed from a tin-shed structure in the 1990s to a brick building by 2000, with ongoing construction to add a third floor. According to locals, a gas smell was often detected near the mosque, suggesting long-standing issues. Post-explosion, 40 severely burned victims were initially taken to Narayanganj Hospital, with the most critical later transferred to Dhaka. Dr. Samanta Lal Sen, coordinating at Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, reported that 20 of these were in critical condition. The response teams from the fire department and Titas Gas arrived post-incident, and the fire department's involvement included shutting off gas from a pipeline running under the mosque floor. Investigative efforts are being led by a five-member committee formed by the Narayanganj district administration, consisting of representatives from Titas Gas, the Power Department, and the fire service. A team from the Bomb Disposal Unit of the Counter Terrorism Investigation Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police also examined the site, focusing on the burnt electrical switchboard as part of their inquiry into the cause of the fire. President Mohammad Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep grief over the incident and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Additionally, a legal case under section 304 is to be filed over the incident, and families of the deceased have been allowed to claim bodies without an autopsy unless objections are raised. This incident highlights critical safety concerns and the need for stringent oversight in public and community buildings, particularly regarding utilities and infrastructure integrity.
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Revised charges pull down profits of Titas Gas
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/energy/revised-charges-pull-down-profits-titas-gas-99724
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The Business Standard
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The net profit of Titas Gas Transmission & Distribution Company Limited has dropped 27 percent in the first three quarters of the current financial year as the minimum charges were replaced with demand charges at consumer level. However, the sale of gas has increased by 28 percent during this period. An official of Titas Gas told The Business Standard that it has withdrawn the minimum charges in all consumer levels from July 1, 2019, and imposed a demand charge of Tk0.10 per cubic metre, causing a drop in the profit. Despite the sale quantity of Titas Gas remained the same, the sales figure rose due to an increase in gas prices. The company receives distribution charges only for distributing gas. The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has increased gas prices which came into effect on July 1, 2019. It also fixed the distribution charge of Titas Gas at Tk0.25 per cubic metre which was Tk0.22 earlier. The official of the company also said that the country's economy has slowed down owing to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. Most of the industries are going with minimum production, and thus the gas demand has been lower for the last three months. The company could not make profit in that pandemic period. According to the three quarters unaudited financial statements, gas use of several sectors has increased. But in fertiliser production, the usage of gas has fallen drastically. In the three quarters of the current financial year, Titas Gas sold gas worth Tk13,548 crore, while it was Tk10,620 crore at the same time of the previous year. During this time, the company has earned nothing from the minimum charge, but earned Tk173 crore from the demand charge. In the previous year, it had earned Tk310 crore as minimum charge. As a result, the net profit decreased to Tk208.81 crore from Tk 284.35 crore. The earnings per share of the company was Tk2.11 which was Tk2.87 in the previous year. Titas Gas got enlisted with the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) in 2008 and its paid up capital is Tk989.22 crore. The closing price of each share of the company was Tk29.70 at the DSE on Monday. The highest price of its shares was Tk40.50 each whereas the lowest price was Tk27.50 per share within the last one year. Titas Gas has paid a 26 percent cash dividend to its shareholders in the last financial year. Out of total shares, Petrobangla holds 75 percent shares of Titas Gas while institutional investors have 14.43 percent, foreign investors 1.81 percent and the general investors hold 8.76 percent shares.
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4 filling station staffers jailed for stealing gas
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https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/4-filling-station-staffers-jailed-stealing-gas
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The Business Standard
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A mobile court has jailed four employees of a filling station on a charge of stealing gas by tampering a meter of Titas Gas in Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj. During a drive headed by an executive magistrate, the court also cut the gas connection to Rangdhonu CNG and Filling Station and fined it Tk1 lakh. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members arrested Engineer Anjan Kumar, 30, Manager Md Manik, 55, and two employees Md Rassel, 28, and Shahidul Islam, 26, of the filling station during the four-hour drive on Thursday night. The mobile court jailed Anjan for two months and the three others for one month each, said a press release issued by the RAB-11 in Narayanganj. According to the RAB, the filling station located in Baluakandi area has stolen gas of over Tk48 crore in the last four years. The press release added that the engineer and the manager in a primary interrogation admitted that they had tampered the Titas Gas meter to steal gas from the state-owned company. After observing several months' bills of the filling station, the law enforcers found that the station paid on average Tk70 lakh to the Titas Gas monthly. But in November alone, the station sold gas in cylinders of Tk79 lakh to a single company named CP Bangla besides its 24-hour sale to various vehicles.
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No risk in lighting stoves: Titas.
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/no-risk-lighting-stoves-titas-3304046
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The Daily Star
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There is no danger from the gas smell that residents of Dhaka complained about last night, and people should feel free to turn on their stoves, said officials of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited. Two senior officials of Titas, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the smell has also diminished this morning. The situation is now normal, the officials said. "Smells are included in gases to protect people in the event of a leak. We have resolved all issues," they added. Due to the closure of industries during the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, the pressure on the gas line was higher than before as the demand for gas in Dhaka city decreased. Since odorant is mixed with gas, people got afraid after smelling odorant last night. At present, the gas supply in Dhaka city is normal and people are advised to light gas stoves comfortably, a press release of Titas said today. Many city dwellers complained of gas leaks in parts of Dhaka last night, with some leaving their homes out of fear. Contacted, Fire Service and Civil Defence Duty Officer Rafi Al Faruk said they received numerous complaints of gas leaks from across the capital. Shuvojit Ghosh, in Green Road area, said residents of his building quickly descended from their flats after smelling gas. Meanwhile, State Minister for the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid asked the city dwellers not to panic. On his verified Facebook page, he told citizens not to be concerned about the complaints of gas leaks. "City dwellers are requested not to be panicked," he said.
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No risk in lighting stoves: Titas.
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/no-risk-lighting-stoves-titas-3304046
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The Daily Star
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There is no danger from the gas smell that residents of Dhaka complained about last night, and people should feel free to turn on their stoves, said officials of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited. Two senior officials of Titas, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the smell has also diminished this morning. The situation is now normal, the officials said. "Smells are included in gases to protect people in the event of a leak. We have resolved all issues," they added. Due to the closure of industries during the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, the pressure on the gas line was higher than before as the demand for gas in Dhaka city decreased. Since odorant is mixed with gas, people got afraid after smelling odorant last night. At present, the gas supply in Dhaka city is normal and people are advised to light gas stoves comfortably, a press release of Titas said today. Many city dwellers complained of gas leaks in parts of Dhaka last night, with some leaving their homes out of fear. Contacted, Fire Service and Civil Defence Duty Officer Rafi Al Faruk said they received numerous complaints of gas leaks from across the capital. Shuvojit Ghosh, in Green Road area, said residents of his building quickly descended from their flats after smelling gas. Meanwhile, State Minister for the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid asked the city dwellers not to panic. On his verified Facebook page, he told citizens not to be concerned about the complaints of gas leaks. "City dwellers are requested not to be panicked," he said.
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Science Lab, Gulistan blasts. Lives cheapened by negligence
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https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/views/blowin-the-wind/news/lives-cheapened-negligence-3267876
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The Daily Star
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two devastating explosions in a city that resulted in significant loss of life and injuries, raising concerns about urban safety and infrastructure maintenance. The first incident occurred on Science Lab road, immediately impacting the narrator who had just passed the road. This explosion killed three people instantly and injured 40 others. A few days later, another explosion happened in a densely populated and commercially active area of Gulistan, where an illegal market operated in a building's basement beneath a bank branch. This second explosion was even more catastrophic, with the death toll reaching 22 and many others left critically injured. This incident occurred during a busy evening as people were shopping for traditional delicacies on a religious holiday, adding to the crowded conditions and the severity of the aftermath. Personal stories from the scene bring the human cost into stark relief. A young man who went to buy food for his fasting mother and two brothers shopping for bathroom fittings were among the affected, with one brother dying in the explosion. Another witness described the horror of seeing a body catapulted onto his car. The post critiques the apparent systemic failures that lead to such disasters, pointing out that these are not mere accidents but consequences of negligence and poor regulatory enforcement. Key issues include the use of substandard building materials, inadequate maintenance of essential utilities like gas and electricity, and a lack of regular safety checks. Authorities' response to the incidents is scrutinized. While different agencies, including Titas Gas, the police, and the fire department, are investigating, there seems to be no clear consensus on the cause. The gas company denies that their installations were involved, while forensic experts suspect a gas buildup in a long-uncleaned septic tank. The possibility that air conditioner units could be another explosion source was also suggested. The building's structural collapse has led to it being declared unsafe. The article calls for a shift from reactive to proactive governance, criticizing the "sagacious comments over the dead" and urging for preventive measures and regular monitoring to truly make the city "smart." It emphasizes the importance of community engagement and education about civic responsibilities, particularly concerning the maintenance of utilities to prevent such tragedies. The potential for local monitoring by retired officers and other volunteers is proposed as part of a broader strategy to enhance urban resilience and safety.
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Tk 1,500cr unpaid bills: Titas starts disconnecting gas lines
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https://www.thedailystar.net/environment/natural-resources/energy/news/tk-1500cr-unpaid-bills-titas-starts-disconnecting-gas-lines-3168806
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The Daily Star
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Titas Gas Distribution Company Ltd has started disconnecting gas supply to households and industries in the capital due to unpaid bills of around Tk 1,500 crore. "We cut off 200 connections in Sobhanbagh zone on November 7 and 8. Today, 30 teams are conducting drives in Kuril zone," Rashidul Alam, general manger (revenue) at Titas, told The Daily Star today. "The gas lines were disconnected as the users were reluctant to pay the bill despite repeated notices," he said. The officials said they would snap gas connections of bill defaulters in Mirpur next week. "We will continue the drive by phases in other zones too," he said
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Titas Gas suffers 50% profit fall in July-September
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https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/titas-gas-suffers-50-profit-fall-july-september-3168056
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The Daily Star
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Titas Gas Transmission & Distribution Company Ltd made a profit of Tk 32.64 crore in the July-September quarter of the 2022-23 financial year, down nearly 50 per cent year-on-year. The state-run gas supplier clocked a profit of Tk 64.30 crore in the same quarter of 2021-22. Thus, it reported earnings per share of Tk 0.33 for July-September against Tk 0.65 during the same quarter a year earlier. "The EPS decreased as the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission re-fixed the distribution margin and the contribution of the company to the pension fund has increased," said Titas Gas in a filing on the Dhaka Stock Exchange today. The net operating cash flow per share surged to Tk 1.50 for July-September compared to Tk 0.59 in negative in the first quarter of 2021-22 on the back of higher collection against gas sales. The net asset value per share was Tk 74.49 on September 30 and Tk 74.16 on June 30.
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itas Gas posts lower profit in FY22
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https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/titas-gas-posts-lower-profit-fy22-3141746
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The Daily Star
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Titas Gas Transmission & Distribution Company Limited's profit declined in the financial year that ended on June 30. The state-run utility supplier made a profit of Tk 317 crore in 2021-22, down 8.30 per cent from Tk 346 crore a year earlier. The company reported earnings per share of Tk 3.21 against Tk 3.50. The net asset value per share rose to Tk 74.16 from Tk 72.57 a year earlier while the net operating cash flow per share returned to the positive Tk 0.30 in FY22 from a negative Tk 1.11 in FY21. The board of directors recommended a 10 per cent cash dividend for 2021-22, according to a filing on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) today
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No end to power-sector malfeasance
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https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/editorial/news/no-end-power-sector-malfeasance-3129431
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The Daily Star
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The article discusses ongoing corruption within Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited, where security guards have been falsely employed using the identities of deceased or former employees over the last five years. Bribes ranging from Tk 90,000 to Tk 3 lakh have been paid by individuals to secure these positions, facilitated by both Titas Gas employees and Panther Security Services Ltd., the contractor tasked with supplying security personnel. Despite allegations from Panther Security that they operate under the recommendations of Titas Gas employees and require Titas' approval for appointments, the primary responsibility for oversight falls on Titas Gas, which has failed to manage these corrupt practices effectively. This issue is part of a broader pattern of corruption within the energy sector in Bangladesh, as highlighted by recent findings from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). These findings revealed that approximately Tk 4,697 crore was lost due to irregularities in 11 companies under Petrobangla from FY 2014-15 to FY 2016-17, and two companies under the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation in FY 2013-14. Despite the formation of a probe committee by Lutful Haider, the company secretary of Titas Gas, to investigate these irregularities, no substantial actions have been taken based on the committee's findings. Haider, who has been in charge of Titas Gas' security department for a long time, claimed ignorance of these issues. The article expresses hope that the state minister for power, energy, and mineral resources will fulfill his promise to take severe action against those responsible for the corruption. It also calls for the government to acknowledge and address the rampant corruption and irregularities across its various departments, emphasizing that ignoring these issues is no longer acceptable.
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Two former Titas employees get 5 years’ imprisonment for taking bribe
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https://www.thedailystar.net/two-former-titas-employees-get-5-years-imprisonment-taking-bribe-1976169
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The Daily Star
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A Dhaka court today sentenced two former employees of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd to five years' rigorous imprisonment for taking Tk 5,000 as bribe from a sweater factory in 2007. The duo are Md Kamruzzaman Sarkar, former deputy assistant engineer of Demra Titas Gas office, and its technician Md Abdur Rahim. Judge Shaikh Nazmul Alam of the Special Judge Court-4 of Dhaka handed down the verdict in presence of Kamruzzaman while Rahim is on the run. The court also fined them Tk 25,000 each, in default of which they will serve three more months in jail. The punishment of the fugitive will be effective from the day of his arrest or surrender, the judge added. Earlier the prosecution and defence completed their arguments and the court recorded statements of seven prosecution witnesses, including the complainant of the case. According to the prosecution, the two employees on June 14, 2007 took Tk 5,000 from a general manager of Nippon Sweaters Ltd at Chairman Market in Dakkhin Khan for giving connection of a gas line. But they were caught red-handed while taking the bribe and a case was filed against them with Dakkhin Khan Police Station. Md Zahin Hossain, an assistant director of the Anti-Corruption Commission, on May 8 of 2009 submitted a charge sheet against the two accused. The court framed charges against them on September 17 the same year.
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Proposal to raise gas price despite acute shortage in supply
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https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/przzcoc3bi
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The Prothom Alo
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Residents of various parts of the capital city in Bangladesh, including Shahjahanpur, Jatrabari, Mohammadpur, Kazipara, and Rayerbazar, are experiencing a severe gas crisis, with frequent low pressure or no gas supply. This issue extends to other major cities like Gazipur and Narayanganj. Despite inconsistent supply, all consumers, metered or not, must pay a fixed monthly gas bill—Tk 1,080 for double burners and Tk 990 for single burners. There is a proposal by gas distribution companies to increase these rates to Tk 1,592 and Tk 1,380, respectively. The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) is reviewing this proposal and has formed a technical committee to assess it. Approximately 4.3 million people in the country have gas connections, with 430,000 using prepaid meters. These prepaid customers consume an average of 40 to 45 cubic feet of gas monthly for double burners, while those without meters are billed for 60 cubic feet regardless of actual usage. This discrepancy is cited by gas companies as a reason for the proposed price increase. The proposal by the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited (TGTDCL), which also includes revising the assumed usage per consumer to more than 60 cubic feet, is under consideration by BERC, with support from Petrobangla. The current price per cubic metre of gas is Tk 18. In terms of financials, TGTDCL reported a deposit of Tk 7.06 billion in the government treasury for the fiscal year 2022-23, achieving a profit of Tk 1.58 billion. Despite the apparent financial health of TGTDCL, residents suffer from significant gas supply interruptions, affecting their daily activities like cooking, which has led to increased reliance on costly LPG cylinders, priced at about Tk 1,500 each. This situation is worsened by a dollar crisis affecting LNG imports, reducing the gas supply to less than 2.50 billion cubic feet per day against a demand of 3.80 billion cubic feet. The Consumers Association Bangladesh (CAB) has criticized the proposal to raise gas prices without improving service reliability, suggesting that these efforts might be driven by business interests aiming to expand the LPG market amidst rising costs of daily essentials.
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Proposal to raise gas price despite acute shortage in supply
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https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/przzcoc3bi
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The Prothom Alo
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Residents of various parts of the capital city in Bangladesh, including Shahjahanpur, Jatrabari, Mohammadpur, Kazipara, and Rayerbazar, are experiencing a severe gas crisis, with frequent low pressure or no gas supply. This issue extends to other major cities like Gazipur and Narayanganj. Despite inconsistent supply, all consumers, metered or not, must pay a fixed monthly gas bill—Tk 1,080 for double burners and Tk 990 for single burners. There is a proposal by gas distribution companies to increase these rates to Tk 1,592 and Tk 1,380, respectively. The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) is reviewing this proposal and has formed a technical committee to assess it. Approximately 4.3 million people in the country have gas connections, with 430,000 using prepaid meters. These prepaid customers consume an average of 40 to 45 cubic feet of gas monthly for double burners, while those without meters are billed for 60 cubic feet regardless of actual usage. This discrepancy is cited by gas companies as a reason for the proposed price increase. The proposal by the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited (TGTDCL), which also includes revising the assumed usage per consumer to more than 60 cubic feet, is under consideration by BERC, with support from Petrobangla. The current price per cubic metre of gas is Tk 18. In terms of financials, TGTDCL reported a deposit of Tk 7.06 billion in the government treasury for the fiscal year 2022-23, achieving a profit of Tk 1.58 billion. Despite the apparent financial health of TGTDCL, residents suffer from significant gas supply interruptions, affecting their daily activities like cooking, which has led to increased reliance on costly LPG cylinders, priced at about Tk 1,500 each. This situation is worsened by a dollar crisis affecting LNG imports, reducing the gas supply to less than 2.50 billion cubic feet per day against a demand of 3.80 billion cubic feet. The Consumers Association Bangladesh (CAB) has criticized the proposal to raise gas prices without improving service reliability, suggesting that these efforts might be driven by business interests aiming to expand the LPG market amidst rising costs of daily essentials.
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Industries in shambles, crisis in residential areas too
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https://en.prothomalo.com/business/local/d6sj78gm6k
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The Prothom Alo
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a widespread gas crisis affecting various sectors in Bangladesh due to a reduction in liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and decreased domestic production. Here are the key points and corresponding data: Decrease in Power Generation and Gas Supply: Gas supply for power generation has fallen from 1,100-1,120 million cubic feet daily during peak demand to 700 million cubic feet now. However, gas supply to fertiliser factories has risen to 220 million cubic feet, driven by high global prices for fertilizers and increased domestic production. Impact on Industrial and Residential Sectors: Industrial areas, particularly in Narayanganj and Munshiganj, face severe gas shortages, affecting over 800 garment and more than 300 dyeing factories. Specific factories report drastic production cuts, e.g., from 30 tonnes to 10-12 tonnes of clothes per day or from 40 tonnes to 15 tonnes. Residential consumers are also severely affected, with many relying on alternative cooking methods like electric or clay ovens due to the gas shortage. Operational Challenges and Alternatives: The closure of a key LNG terminal operated by US-based Accelerate Energy since November 1 has exacerbated the crisis. This terminal, along with another, typically supplies around 650 million cubic feet of gas daily. Currently, only the Summit Group terminal is operational, providing 500 million cubic feet daily. The Bibiyana Gas Field, the country's largest, has seen a decline in production. An alternative system of supplying gas in cylinders has been initiated for factories near Dhaka. Economic and Strategic Consequences: Export-oriented industries are purchasing costly alternative fuels to maintain production, risking purchase order cancellations due to inadequate production. The overall gas supply has dwindled to below 250 million cubic feet daily, significantly below the country's demand of 3,800 million cubic feet and the manageable level of 3,000 million cubic feet. Consumers face increased costs due to reliance on expensive alternative energy sources. Government and Regulatory Responses: The government has significantly raised gas prices recently (80% in January, followed by 179% for industries), promising uninterrupted supply which has not materialized. Calls for increased domestic gas exploration have been emphasized as a long-term solution to the ongoing crisis. The situation is described as critical and is likely to persist until strategic changes are implemented, including the reopening of the closed LNG terminal and an increased focus on domestic gas exploration.
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System Loss: Petrobangla divides losses among distribution companies
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https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/uwhr08yphl
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The Prothom Alo
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The article discusses the issue of gas wastage and theft within Bangladesh's gas distribution network, focusing on the roles and challenges faced by Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd. and the Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL). Key Points and Figures: Standard Gas Losses vs. Actual Losses: Internationally, the acceptable gas loss in distribution lines is between 0.20 to 0.30 percent. However, the reported system losses far exceed these standards. Titas Gas and System Losses: Titas Gas experienced a significant increase in system losses, rising to over 10 percent in April of the last fiscal year, though it was reduced to 4.5 percent by June. Despite efforts to combat gas theft through operational measures against contractors, officials, and employees, losses remained high. Financial Impact and Gas Theft: The reported system loss for GTCL since January of the preceding year was 3 percent of their total gas supply. In fiscal year 2022-23, Titas Gas reported a wastage of 725.5 million cubic meters of gas, significantly higher than about 320 million cubic meters the year before. This has led to financial losses amounting to 78.40 billion taka due to 980 million cubic meters of gas wasted in distribution, and an additional 49.60 billion taka from 620 million cubic meters lost in transmission lines. GTCL's Financial Challenges: GTCL reported a loss of approximately 2.17 billion taka in fiscal 2021-22 and projected a potential loss of 7.08 billion taka in 2022-23. They were also required to pay 5.06 billion taka for system losses, totaling a projected loss of 12.15 billion taka. GTCL has expressed financial constraints in handling these losses, citing the costs of ongoing and previous projects, and has requested an exemption from covering the system loss payments. Measures to Address Theft and Wastage: Efforts to disconnect illegal connections have been substantial, with around 250,000 illegal connections cut in the last fiscal year, but these connections are sometimes quickly reinstalled. M Tamim, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor of a former Caretaker Government, criticized the handling of system losses, suggesting that the reported figures might not be accurate and that theft occurs through both illegal and legitimate connections under varying gas pressures. Consumer Impact: The rampant gas wastage and theft, compounded by increased gas prices (an average increase of 80 percent last January), have led to consumers paying higher bills for lesser gas use. This not only affects financial equity but also places undue pressure on consumers. Overall, the article highlights the systemic issues in managing gas distribution in Bangladesh, with significant financial losses and challenges in controlling theft and wastage, particularly impacting companies like Titas Gas and GTCL.
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Titas does not want to take responsibility of blasts from leakages
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https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/local-news/oh4fa14az8
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The Prothom Alo
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In Narayanganj, over 200 explosions and fires have been reported in the past three years, attributed to gas pipeline leakages from Titas Gas. Residents blame the negligence of Titas Gas authorities, while the company points to consumer unawareness. The latest serious incident occurred in Araihazar upazila, where a blast injured four people, three of whom later died from their injuries. Other notable incidents include a blast in Kashipur that injured four and another explosion in an auto-rickshaw showroom that injured 15, with two fatalities. A district administration committee found Titas Gas responsible for the incidents, suggesting negligence in pipeline maintenance. Titas Gas, however, insists that consumer ignorance is to blame, stating that it only manages pipelines up to the building riser.The fire service recorded 203 incidents from July 2020 to July 2023, with at least 33 deaths. The deadliest single event was an explosion under the Talla Baitus Salat Jame Masjid in September 2020, killing 34. Fire incident data over the years indicates a persistent problem, with a peak of 100 incidents in 2021 alone.Fakhar Uddin Ahmed from Narayanganj fire service and Dr. Tariqul Islam from Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery highlighted the recurring nature of these incidents and the high incidence of severe burns, often fatal due to tracheal injuries. Both emphasized the need for improved pipeline supervision, better public awareness, and updating old pipeline infrastructure to prevent future tragedies.
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Local lawmakers' followers assault when removing illegal connections: Titas MD
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https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/54lg5o5ndf
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The Prothom Alo
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Managing director of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited (TGTDCL) Md Harunur Rashid Mullah has alleged that sometimes staff of his organisations have to face assaults from supporters of local lawmakers when they move to take action against illegal gas connections in different areas in Dhaka, Narayanganj and Manikganj, reports UNB."But after an attack when we seek cooperation from local lawmakers to do our job, we get it," he said while addressing a press conference at Titas Gas Bhaban in the city on Monday. Titas Gas has been responsible to distribute natural gas through pipelines across the capital city Dhaka and adjoining districts including Narayanganj, Mymensingh, Manikganj, Tangail, Cumilla with a huge coverage area having 2.8 million consumers. Mullah informed that Titas has been looking for a financier to implement a Tk 120 billion project to replace the existing old pipelines with new ones to stop leakages. Top officials of Titas Gas including general managers Md. Emam Uddin Sheikh and Arpana Islam were present on the occasion. Giving a detailed description on Titas activities against illegal gas connections, the Titas chief executive said his organisation has been conducting operations on a regular basis in its command areas against the illegal gas connections holders."From October 2021 to June 2023 we have conducted a total of 28,398 operations at a cost of Tk 64.6 million against illegal connections and bill defaulters. We removed 668.50 km of illegal gas pipeline and 5,20,402 illegal connections," he said. During this time Titas gas charged Tk 3.12 billion as extra bills and Tk 912.5 million as fines. Of this, Tk 1.47 billion was realised as extra bills and Tk 374.1 million as fines, he noted. He also informed that Titas gas has remained unpaid bills of total Tk 67.01 billion with public and private entities from October 2021 to May 2023. Of this, Tk 1.66 billion (4.88 month equivalent) remains uncollected bills from public entities and Tk 50.45 billion (1.97 equivalent months) from private entities. "We will get unpaid bills mainly from power plants in the public and private sector," the Titas Gas chief said."But we cannot go for disconnecting lines considering its sensitivity," he added. Mullah admitted that a good number of Titas employees are involved in giving illegal connections to consumers alongside the contractors and supporters of local lawmakers."We have taken actions against 228 employees for their involvement. Of these, 8 were permanently fired, 16 were suspended," he said licences of 55-60 contractors were cancelled. Responding to a question, he said Titas has taken a move to introduce a uniformed meter system so that any customer can install meter buying from the open market. "We will need Tk 12,000 crore to implement the project. were now looking for a financier to implement it," he said.
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Explosion following leakage in Titas Gas pipeline in Narayanganj
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https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/local-news/zpifcsoksl
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The Prothom Alo
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The clients of Titas Gas in Narayanganj's Rupganj upazila suffered enormously following a disruption in the gas supply from Thursday noon due to leakage in the pipeline, reports news agency UNB. The incident took place in Rupsi area on Kanchan road of Rupganj Upazila on Thursday noon. According to witnesses, there is an 8-inch-diameter pipeline of Titas Gas on Rupsi -Kanchan Road. A loud explosion occurred following a sudden leakage in the pipeline at around 1:00 pm. At that time, gas was coming out of the place where the explosion occurred, creating panic among the local people. On information, a team from Titas Gas visited the spot and stopped the gas supply from the local DRS (gas control station). As a result, the gas supply to Tarabo, Barabo, Jatramura, Rupsi, Murapara, Machimpur, Mirkutircheo, Bhulta, Pachaikha, Shonabo, Golakandail, Shawghat, Sinlab, Miabari and other areas of the upazila was stopped, causing immense sufferings to the residents. Meanwhile, people in these areas were seen rushing to restaurants for lunch due to the suspension of gas supply while some were seen using gas cylinders or clay stoves. Due to a sudden leakage in a gas pipeline in Rupsi-Kanchan Road area, the gas supply was suspended, said Majbaul Haque, manager of Jatramura branch office of Sonargaon Zone of Titas Gas. “Once the leakage is repaired, the gas supply will be restored,” he added.
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Panic in Dhaka over gas smell: Titas claims to have solved the problem
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https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/8n8mqtq2x9
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The Prothom Alo
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Titas Gas officials claimed that they have fixed the problem that caused gas leak in different areas of Dhaka on Monday night. On Tuesday morning, multiple officials of Titas have told Prothom Alo that the problem was fixed at midnight by its emergency and technical team and there is no more gas smell in any part of the capital. Deputy general manager (DGM) of Titas gas Sakhawat Hossain told Prothom Alo on Tuesday morning, the overflow caused by the increased pressure on the transmission and distribution line has been fixed. When asked why did the gas pressure increase, Sakhawat referred to the explanation given by the ministry of power, energy and mineral resources last night. System operations department can explain the matter in details, he added. Earlier, the ministry of power, energy and mineral resources explained the reason behind the gas smell in Facebook post published at 12:00am on Monday night. In the Facebook post the ministry said, “As gas supply to factories are shut down during Eid, the gas pressure in transmission and distribution line increased, causing (overflow) the smell.” The ministry asked the people not to panic, “Titas’s emergency and technical team is working on it”. It also gave Titas's hotline number 16496 in the post. The state minister for power, energy and mineral resources Nasrul Hamid shared the post, asking the citizens not to panic. Earlier, at around 11:00pm on Monday, news of gas smell started coming from different areas of the capital. Residents of Moghbazar, Eskaton, Rampura, East Rajabazar, Tejgaon, Crescent Road, Bashundhara Residential Area, Badda and Hazaribag complained of smelling gas in the air. In many areas, announcements were made from local mosques requesting the people to not turn on gas stoves or light match sticks. The news of a gas leak first came from Rampura. The locals dialed the national emergency number 999 and the police came to the spot to investigate. Rampura Police Station’s officer-in-charge Rafiqul Islam told Prothom Alo at around 11:00pm, “the police officers smelled the gas at the spot. We have informed Titas. The Titas officials will look into it and take the necessary steps.” Many panicked citizens posted on Facebook about the gas smell. Many of them complained that they tried to contact Titas using the hotline number but couldn’t reach them. Some anxious citizens also rang the Fire Service. A source at the Fire Service informed that they received multiple calls at night, but haven't received any such calls on Tuesday.
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Gas lines in Dhaka pose as death risk
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https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/5g9j6ok91v
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The Prothom Alo
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The article discusses the critical condition of the gas pipelines managed by Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and surrounding areas. Here are the key points, with a focus on Titas Gas:
Aging Infrastructure: The pipelines supplying gas in Dhaka, originally intended to have a lifespan of 30 years, are still in use a decade beyond this period, raising safety concerns due to the risk of leaks and accidents.
Recent Accidents: There have been several fatal accidents linked to gas leaks, including explosions at Maghbazar, Science Laboratory intersection, Siddique Bazar, and a mosque in Narayanganj, cumulatively resulting in 73 deaths. Investigations suggest that these accidents were caused by gas accumulating from disconnected or leaking pipelines.
Operational Challenges: Titas Gas, the largest gas distribution company in the country, is described as operating in a conventional manner without technological upgrades. There is a significant backlog in pipeline maintenance and replacement, and a recent survey covering only 1,682km out of 13,320km of pipelines found 459 leaks.
Inspection and Regulation Compliance: Inspections required by the Gas Sales Rule-2014 are often not performed. The company faces a shortage of inspection teams, and inspections are typically reactive, based on customer complaints rather than routine checks.
Technology and System Improvements: There is no automatic leak detection system in place. Proposals for using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for better pipeline management and leak detection are in discussion, but not yet implemented.
Financial Aspects and Future Plans: Titas made a profit of Tk 318 crore last fiscal year but invested in only 82 km of new pipelines. Plans are underway to lay down 185 km of new pipelines from Jaidevpur to Mymensingh with advanced leak detection capabilities, and a significant expansion under the SCADA system, pending government approval.
Legal and Ethical Issues: There is a call for accountability, with suggestions that murder charges should be brought against Titas employees and officers responsible for accidents due to negligence and corruption, particularly concerning illegal gas connections and lack of responsibility towards consumer safety.
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Explosion possibly caused by abandoned Titas Gas line
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https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/t7n1v5s9bb
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The Prothom Alo
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The news article discusses a catastrophic explosion in Siddique Bazar, Old Dhaka, resulting from a gas leak. Preliminary investigations by the fire service and the police's Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) identified an abandoned gas pipeline from Titas Gas in the basement of a seven-storey building, known as Queen Sanitary Market. The pipeline had been disconnected in 2001, but gas continued to flow and leaked from a hole, accumulating in an air-conditioned room where the explosion occurred. The CTTC revealed that the basement had been air-conditioned, and with poor ventilation, gas built up leading to the explosion. The managing director of Titas Gas denied any legal gas connection in the basement and mentioned ongoing investigations. The explosion affected the building from the basement to the second floor, resulting in 23 deaths and over a hundred injuries. It also prompted a response from Titas Gas and the fire service, who shut off the gas connection and initiated rescue operations. The building's stability is at risk, with damage to its structural columns. As a response, steel pipes were installed to prevent collapse. Simultaneously, the article references another recent explosion in the Science Laboratory area, also due to a Titas Gas leak, as well as past incidents indicating a pattern of negligence by Titas Gas in managing gas pipelines. The response to these tragedies has included arrests under the Explosives Act and investigations into Titas Gas and city officials' negligence. Critics argue for accountability and improved monitoring and maintenance of gas pipelines to prevent future incidents.
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