Dhaka: State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit announced on Wednesday that the government is undertaking extensive measures to alleviate the ongoing gas crisis and improve the power situation in the country. Addressing reporters at the Secretariat, Amit expressed hope that the situation, which has been dire due to several operational challenges, will soon improve, thanks to strategic efforts initiated since Tuesday evening.
According to United News of Bangladesh, an LNG cargo is currently stalled at the Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) managed by Summit Group due to adverse weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal. Furthermore, the Excelerate Energy-operated FSRU is functioning at approximately 50 percent capacity, as one of its two boilers is malfunctioning. Amit revealed that the FSRU is slated for a 72-hour shutdown to conduct necessary repairs, though the timing for this has yet to be finalized. The government is actively engaging with FSRU authorities and the business community to determine the best course of action.
The minister highlighted that the disruptions at both FSRUs have significantly impacted the gas supply, which in turn affects electricity generation and distribution. He emphasized the critical role of LNG supplied through these units, explaining that inadequate gas supply limits the power plants' ability to operate effectively.
In efforts to mitigate the crisis, the government is exploring LNG imports from Malaysia. A Bangladeshi delegation has already visited Malaysia following a virtual meeting to discuss potential agreements. Amit expressed optimism that at least one LNG cargo could be procured from Malaysia soon. However, he noted that importing LNG through ISO tanks presents a separate challenge, as the necessary tanks are not readily available, marking this as a medium-term solution under consideration.
The government is evaluating all available options to address the crisis, including consultations with energy sector experts and business leaders. Despite inquiries about a specific timeline for resolving the power issues, Amit refrained from providing a definitive timeframe, citing the unpredictable nature of the situation. He reassured the public of the government's commitment to resolving the crisis, acknowledging the suffering caused by the current conditions.
Amit criticized the policy approaches of the previous government, attributing the current crisis to their short-term focus and lack of medium- and long-term planning in the energy sector. He asserted that the adoption of flawed policies by previous administrations has led to the present challenges, which could have arisen at any time and demanded urgent resolution.
Expressing regret over the timing of the crisis during the summer, Amit reiterated the government's dedication to addressing the issue, emphasizing that natural conditions have limited their options and that they are doing everything possible to alleviate the situation.