Own Correspondent: Coal prices have increased abnormally. The price of coal per ton has increased by 10/11 thousand rupees. Coal consuming companies including brick kilns are in trouble due to increase in coal prices. Allegations have been made of increasing the price of coal by syndicate.
Those concerned said that the current amount of coal that is stored cannot meet one month’s demand. Coal imports have come down in the last few months. Due to high demand, prices have increased. As a result, if the import does not increase, it is feared that the price of coal may increase further. It has been alleged that the increase in the price of coal has led to an increase in the use of wood in many brick kilns.
Traders said that coal is imported from various countries in Africa and Europe. But in recent times coal imports have also decreased due to increase in dealer prices. About four hundred brick kilns are operating in Chittagong. These brick kilns have a huge daily demand of coal. But brick kiln owners are not getting coal supply in proportion to demand. Due to increase in price, the use of coal in brick kilns is decreasing. As a result, wood is being used in many brick kilns. It is polluting the environment.
The owners of the brick kilns said that the price of coal was 7/8 thousand per ton even a few months ago. It has increased to Tk 20,000 per ton. Now the price has increased and is being sold at 27 to 29 thousand per ton. Coal consuming companies are in trouble due to the abnormal increase in the price of coal. As a result, if imports do not increase, it is feared that the crisis will increase further. Imported coal is stored in commercial warehouses in Chittagong. But due to low import, warehouses currently have only 7/8 thousand tons of coal.
The owner of the brickyard. Iqbal Hossain said that the price of coal has increased since last few months. My brick kiln requires about 1 ton of coal daily. But the price of coal is increasing gradually and now it is being sold at Tk 28/29 thousand per ton. This is increasing our fuel costs. As a result, the price of bricks will also increase.
Sarwar Company, the owner of the brick kiln, said that the price of coal has been increased by syndicate. According to related sources, currently two ships with coal are waiting for discharge at outer anchorage. Two business companies of the country have imported these coals.
Ferdous Anwar, deputy director of Environment Department Chittagong office, said that the number of brick kilns that have permission from Environment Department is very small. License given by district administration. We give clearance. Several agencies have to be coordinated to conduct the campaign. Our campaign against illegal brick kilns will continue.
