Temporary relief in gas supply, load shedding increases
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Improved liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply has brought some relief. However, it is uncertain how long this relief will last. Meanwhile, gas fired power plants have regained momentum in production. But coal shortages and mechanical faults have reduced output from thermal power plants. In addition, rising temperatures have pushed up electricity demand. As a result, more hours of load shedding have been added. The lack of electricity amid intense heat has disrupted public life.
Officials from the Energy Division said uncertainty has emerged over LNG supply at full capacity as global energy markets remain unstable due to the impact of the war. At the same time, domestic gas production is declining continuously. Gas production from domestic wells has fallen by about 410 million cubic feet over the past two years. As a result, the gas supply situation will gradually deteriorate until supply to the national grid increases.
Meanwhile, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin said work is progressing with a target of supplying 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Ishwardi, Pabna within next month. He gave the assurance during a courtesy meeting with Fazlul Haque, administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), at the latter's office in Gulshan, Dhaka on Wednesday. The information was later disclosed in a press release.
Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), told Agamir Somoy that the increased LNG supply has brought some relief to industries as well. However, there has been no improvement so far in Savar, Ashulia and some other areas.
Titas Gas Managing Director Shahnewaz Parvez told Agamir Somoy, “Gas supply has increased significantly compared to before. The situation is gradually returning to where it was two months ago.”
The biggest concern in the crisis is now domestic gas production. On July 21, daily production from domestic sources was above 1.65 billion cubic feet. It has now fallen to 1.61 billion cubic feet.
The cost of importing LNG is also creating significant pressure. Its price has already increased nearly threefold. Despite repeated tenders, not all cargoes are being secured.
During the gas crisis, gas supply for power generation averaged 800 to 850 million cubic feet per day. It has now been increased to around 950 million cubic feet. However, power plants require nearly 2.5 billion cubic feet of gas. In that situation, attempts are made to manage the situation with 1 billion to 1.2 billion cubic feet.
With the increase in gas supply, power generation has risen to 5,400 to 5,500 megawatts. However, as production at thermal power plants has been disrupted, output from costly oil-fired power plants has increased to more than 3,000 megawatts. This is increasing the losses of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB).
Along with rising electricity demand due to the heat, disruptions in power generation have significantly increased load shedding.
