Impact Assessment of Natural Gas Expansion and Distribution Network on Rural Livelihoods in Bangladesh: A Case Study

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of natural gas transmission and distribution network on the livelihoods of the Bangladeshi rural people. To this end, a sample comprising 400 respondent household and commercial gas users of a rural area was selected by using Snowball sampling technique. With a view to analyzing the collected data and information from Mymensingh district through interview schedule, the descriptive statistical tools-frequency and percentage distributions were used. Chi-square test was also used to assess the association in income distribution. The findings of the study reveal that the standard of living of the selected natural gas users was improved with the natural gas expansion and distribution network. The study also evidences some problems of the selected gas users which included the government’s negligence in rural areas, initial high cost of gas connection, having no regional office, time consumption, having no emergency team, delay in preparation of gas bill and sending it to the customers, etc. The study concluded the major findings and recommended some measures which would help overcome the problems the users encountered.