Separate fare structure for CNG bus soon

Presently, passengers of CNG buses pay the same fare charged by diesel- and petrol-run buses although the price of CNG is much less than fuel oil.

The government had not fixed the fare for CNG buses separately to promote the use of compressed natural gas (CNG), said the minister.

Rahimafrooz CNG, a concern of Rahimafrooz (Bangladesh) Limited, organised the seminar on 'CNG: The Future Fuel' in the city to improve understanding of CNG performance in vehicles, including technological advances and safety issues.

Prof Dr M Shamsher Ali, vice-chancellor of Southeast University, Diego Lolato, president of Italy-based Lo-gas s.r.l, and Feroz Rahim, group CEO of Rahimafrooz, also spoke at the seminar.

Diego Lolato, who came to Bangladesh a week ago on the occasion of a free car check-up programme at Rahimafrooz CNG conversion centre, presented a keynote paper at the seminar.

CNG-run vehicles are gaining popularity across the world in the wake of surge in prices of fuel oil, he said.

In the 50s, only Italy used the CNG technology while at present over 35 countries have now been using it because of low cost of the natural gas, he added.

Prof M Shamsher Ali said the energy sector is now facing various problems. But if the government had invited the private sector to work in the energy sector, it would have been much different than what it is toady, he added.

He also urged the government to ensure access to natural gas for the rural people.

Group Chairman of Rahimafrooz Bangladesh Afroz Rahim and Director Niaz Rahim were also present at the seminar.