In this issue

The government has increased the prices of fuel oils by 42-51%, which is a record one-off hike. The authorities seek an excuse that they had no other alternative to do so due to an unusual price hike of petroleum products in the international market. Bangladesh mostly relies on imported liquid fuel. This hike that comes out of the blue has already spilled over into every facet of life – people, in general, struggling with their limited income to cope with the skyrocketing spending on everything from food to housing and transportation. It has also sparked political unrest in the country. Meanwhile, a hike in the bulk tariff of power is just a matter of time, and the power distribution utilities are preparing to submit a new proposal for price adjustment. It is being apprehended that the people may soon witness a 30-40% or more increase in power tariff at the consumers’ level. The new move, if implemented, would just add fuel to the fire.

The government should think right now about an emergency plan going out of the box to bring the situation under control as soon as possible and avert any unrest that may spread among the common people. By the mid-term, the country must reduce its dependence on imported energy and consider a well-balanced fuel mix.

Energy & Power Magazine Description:

Energy & Power (EP) is the first and only full-fledged fortnightly magazine that deals with the much cried over energy and power sector in Bangladesh. Since its inception in June 16, 2003, EP is working very hard to 
a) Develop public consciousness on sustainable and even development of energy sector; 
b) Assist the policy makers in assuming pragmatic policies for a balanced development of the energy sector; 
c) Continuous supply of information among public; and 
d) Develop a group of reporters in this field 

Bangladesh is an energy deficit country like other countries in the region and most of the people do not have adequate access to the energy and power. The country is completely dependent on fossil energy source; at the same time, it is one of the most inefficient energy using countries in the world. 
It lacks efficiency in planning, management, generation, distribution, load management and even at the end user level consumption. 
In spite of the above drawbacks, issues relating to utilization of renewable energy, exploring alternative use of energy, planned use of environment friendly energy are significantly undermined in Bangladesh. 
The biggest challenge of Bangladesh is to find a path for balanced growth of its energy sector. Despite its resource constraints, EP dynamically strives to provide theenergy sector with a flow of information and create public awareness; so that policymakers get guidelines and platforms for its sustainable development.

Code of Ethics 
EP believes that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of a journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues and professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. We strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty.

The EP editorial policy is to share a dedication to ethical behavior and uphold the zero conflict of interest principles and highest standards of practice. 

EP believes in 
o Seeking truth and reporting the same 
o Minimize harm