Administrative measures are being taken against those involved in illegal gas connections, including dishonest traders and officials of Titas Gas, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said on Saturday following a daylong inspection of several industrial zones.

“A vested group of unscrupulous traders and some Titas officials are behind the illegal gas connections. Administrative action is being taken against them,” he stated after visiting industrial areas in Ashulia, Chandra, Kaliakoir, Mirzapur, Gazipur, and Bhaluka from 7am to 8pm.

During the visit, the adviser inspected facilities under BEPZA and factories in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, footwear, textiles, spinning, ceramics, and steel, and held discussions with factory owners.

To improve gas supply, he said four additional LNG cargoes have been imported. “One vessel has already arrived. Although docking was delayed due to bad weather, gas from the ship has already been inserted into the transmission line,” he noted.

The adviser added that gas pressure at industrial facilities started improving from the evening of May 31, a claim that was corroborated by factory owners during the visit.

Addressing journalists, he acknowledged problems in power transmission lines but assured that repair and upgrade work is in progress.

Joint drives involving the district administration, gas and electricity companies, and law enforcement agencies will soon be launched to disconnect illegal gas connections, he added.

“We are hopeful that the measures taken will ease the power and gas supply situation in industrial areas,” said Khan.

He also instructed senior officials of the power and energy sectors to make regular visits to industrial zones to monitor supply conditions.

Energy Secretary Md Saiful Islam, Petrobangla Chairman Md Rezanur Rahman, Titas Gas MD Shahnewaz Parvez, PDB Chairman Md Rezaul Karim, REB Chairman Major General SM Ziaul Azim, and other senior officials accompanied the adviser during the visit.