The transition from flat-rate billing to prepaid gas meters is expanding rapidly across major urban areas in Bangladesh. For decades, households under Titas Gas, Karnaphuli Gas, and Jalalabad Gas paid a fixed monthly rate of ৳1,080 for double burners. While prepaid meters allow you to pay only for what you consume, many users are confused by how card recharges are calculated and how fast their gas balance runs out. This guide explains prepaid gas rates, fixed monthly rent deductions, and how to estimate how long a recharge will last.
Prepaid Gas Tariffs and Monthly Deductions
The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) regulates gas tariffs. The current residential prepaid gas meter rate is ৳26.20 per cubic meter (m³). When you recharge your gas card (via bKash, bank, or utility booth), a fixed monthly meter rent of ৳200 is automatically deducted from your first recharge of each calendar month. If you recharge multiple times in the same month, no rent is deducted on subsequent recharges.
Prepaid Gas Meter Calculations: How Long Will ৳1,000 Last?
- 1You recharge ৳1,000 on your gas card at the beginning of the month.
- 2Deduct the ৳200 monthly meter rent, leaving ৳800 net for gas.
- 3Divide ৳800 by the tariff rate of ৳26.20/m³ to find gas volume: ৳800 / 26.20 = 30.53 m³.
- 4Calculate remaining days based on daily stove usage. A standard double-burner stove consumes about 1.5 m³ per day. Remaining days: 30.53 / 1.5 ≈ 20 days.
Prepaid Meter vs. Flat-Rate Cost Comparison
Prepaid meters are highly cost-effective for small families or households with light cooking. If you use less than 33 cubic meters of gas per month, your bill (including ৳200 rent) will be less than ৳1,080, saving you money. However, for large households or heavy cooking where daily consumption exceeds 1.5 m³, prepaid bills can exceed flat-rate charges.
Monthly Gas Consumption Cost Comparison
| Monthly Gas Usage (m³) | Prepaid Cost (including ৳200 rent) | Comparison vs Double Burner (৳1,080) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 m³ (Light cooking / small flat) | ৳593.00 | Saves ৳487.00 per month |
| 25 m³ (Average cooking) | ৳855.00 | Saves ৳225.00 per month |
| 33.6 m³ (Break-even point) | ৳1,080.00 | Same cost |
| 45 m³ (Heavy cooking / large family) | ৳1,379.00 | Costs ৳299.00 more per month |
Tip
Use the CostNest Prepaid Gas Meter & Bill Calculator to calculate gas units loaded, estimate remaining balance days, and track monthly gas savings compared to flat-rate bills.