Dhaka: Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman today expressed hope that the ongoing gas supply crisis, which has caused power shortages and load-shedding across the country, will improve gradually.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a major shortfall in gas supply had been created due to an accident at a Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal, Dr. Zahed mentioned at a press conference at PID. However, as the terminal gradually resumes normal operations, the gas crisis will ease in phases, and the overall power situation will also improve. The information adviser highlighted widespread areas outside Dhaka that have been experiencing severe load-shedding and power shortages, causing immense suffering to people.
He addressed the public dissatisfaction due to intense heat and assured that the government is making its utmost efforts to address the crisis. Dr. Zahed explained that Bangladesh requires around 3,800 million cubic feet of gas per day, but that level of supply has not been possible for a long time. The country has become dependent on LNG imports to meet the shortfall in domestic gas production, and imported LNG is regasified at terminals before being supplied to the national grid.
One of the country's two operational Floating LNG terminals, operated by an international company, recently experienced a fire incident. Although the accident was not major, the terminal is currently unable to operate at full capacity, resulting in a significant drop in gas supply to the national grid. Dr. Zahed noted that the shortfall has impacted not only power generation but also industries, households, and CNG stations.
To manage the situation, the government has kept costly diesel-fired power plants in operation, which are usually used on a limited basis due to high generation costs. Despite the financial burden, the government is attempting to increase power generation in the public interest, though load-shedding cannot be avoided in some areas. The adviser confirmed discussions with the minister and state minister responsible for the power and energy sector, and noted that according to information from relevant authorities, the damaged LNG terminal will gradually resume gas supply.
He emphasized that the current crisis should not be viewed solely as a domestic issue, as instability in the international energy market is a significant factor. Following the Russia-Ukraine war, European countries reduced their dependence on Russian pipeline gas and shifted towards LNG, increasing global demand and prices. Additionally, geopolitical instability in the Middle East has added to the uncertainty.
Dr. Zahed assured that the government is addressing the immediate crisis and working towards long-term energy security. Gas exploration activities onshore have been expanded, and initiatives to increase the use of renewable energy, particularly solar power, are underway. Solar power projects at government buildings and other facilities are progressing, though they will take time to produce results.
He noted that discovering new gas fields and bringing them into production is a long-term process, meaning it will take time to completely overcome the current crisis. During this period, he urged people to remain patient and to use electricity and energy efficiently. Dr. Zahed concluded by expressing optimism that gas supply would increase as the LNG terminal returns to normal operations, leading to a gradual easing of the current crisis over the coming days.