Cover Report
Lube Market in Bangladesh
Lube oil is the bloodstream of an engine. It makes the machine efficient, delivers more power, ensures longer life and smoothes the operation. Its contribution to our civilized life is enormous, starting from the mundane domestic equipment like a sewing machine to equipment worth millions of dollars like an aeroplane. Lube oils play the vital role in moving the machines usefully. No machines can move without lube oil. In Bangladesh, we are spending over Tk 700 crore every year for lube oil. About 70 percent of these are being used for automobiles, 25 percent in industries and rest in inland water transports. Hundred percent of the lube oils consumed in Bangladesh are imported either as finished products or as raw materials except small quantity of recycled oils. Before market was opened-up in 1997, three state-run oil marketing companies (OMC) -- Padma, Meghna and Jamuna -- used to handle this sensitive segment. Now over 50 brands are competing for their shares in this profit-making sector. full report
Special Article
On Road to a Commercial Electricity Regime
Positive changes are taking place in the power sector of Bangladesh with the objective of improving the sector by having it operated on more commercial terms. The changes in the electricity and gas sectors cover restructuring and regulatory reforms along with the related social issues and sector performance considerations. Change is never easy, especially in a large industry such as electricity, which provides a critical service not only to households but also to businesses of all sizes, facilitating economic growth and providing opportunities for employment. However, change does bring with it the opportunity for a more efficient power sector and increased prospects for improved service to a greater proportion of the population, along with the related social and economic benefits. full report
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