Sylhet: Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today clearly stated that the government will not provide new gas connections to households. “There is no possibility of providing gas connections to residences. If I had the opportunity, I would have turned off the gas connections to all houses in Dhaka,” Khan remarked while addressing questions after visiting the Kailashtila-7 and Sylhet-10 gas wells at Golapganj Upazila in Sylhet.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khan emphasized the wastage of a significant amount of gas due to the supply to households via pipelines. He noted, “When industries and factories are not getting enough gas, it is inappropriate to provide gas connections to residences. To prevent this wastage, gas connections to households should be closed.” Khan reiterated his stance on disconnecting the gas supply to households in Dhaka if given the opportunity.
Addressing the ongoing demand from Sylhet residents for residential gas connections, Khan mentioned that the government plans to supply cylinder-based Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) at subsidized prices instead of pipeline gas. He further highlighted the challenges faced in gas production, stating that it is decreasing by about 200 million cubic feet annually, prompting an increase in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports. Efforts are being made to boost local production to reduce import dependency.
During the visit, several officials were present, including additional secretary of the Energy Division M Khalid Ahmed, Petrobangla chairman Rehsanul Islam, Bapex managing director M Soheb Ahmed, additional secretary Monir Hossain, and officials of the Kailashtila Gas Field and Plant. The Kailashtila-7 and Sylhet-10 gas wells currently contribute 16 million cubic feet of gas daily to the national grid.
Khan also inspected the Kailashtila-7 gas field, BAPEX’s Rig Bijoy-12, and the prepared rig pad for workover at the Kailashtila-1 well, along with the Kailashtila Metering and Separation Terminal Plant.