Dhaka, Jan. 28 -- Four prominent business associations, including BGMEA and BKMEA, have urged the interim government to halt the recently-announced gas-price hike for industrial and captive power plants.

In a joint letter submitted to Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources on Monday, the business leaders called for an urgent review of the decision, citing potential repercussions for the industrial sector. The apparel and textile industry leaders have also expressed grave concern over a proposed 150 per cent increase in gas prices for industrial use.

The letter said, "The proposed increase to Tk 75 per cubic meter could raise annual costs for the garment sector by Tk 63 billion. Captive power plants ...