980 Million Cubic Feet of Gas Supplied from Maheshkhali Terminals
Rafiqul Islam Selim
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has kept his word. At a meeting with business leaders, he had said that gas and electricity supplies in the country would increase from Tuesday. Following Monday’s meeting, gas supply from the floating LNG terminals in Maheshkhali began increasing that night.
On Tuesday morning, 980 million cubic feet of gas was being supplied from the two terminals there, the highest level in nearly two months. Previously, gas supply from the two terminals had remained fixed at 700 million cubic feet.
The gas crisis intensified after one of the terminals of Excelerate Energy became inoperable following a mysterious fire on July 21. Although the terminal was later restored, the arrival of LNG-carrying vessels declined due to the Iran war. As a result, gas supply from the two terminals was reduced because of an LNG shortage.
From August 22, LNG-carrying vessels began arriving according to schedule, and gas supply was gradually increased. After four LNG cargoes arrived this month up to Monday, gas supply was increased further.
People involved in the LNG sector said imported LNG accounts for 35 to 40 percent of the gas supplied in the country. With increased supply from the floating LNG terminals in Maheshkhali, supply to the national grid has exceeded 2,700 million cubic feet. As a result, gas supply across the country has nearly returned to normal.
With the increase in gas supply, industrial production is gaining momentum. Gas-fired power plants and fertiliser factories are being brought back into operation. Relief is returning among residential consumers, while gas pressure at CNG filling stations is increasing.
Meanwhile, another LNG-carrying vessel is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday. Gas supply will be increased further after its arrival.
The two floating LNG terminals in Maheshkhali have a combined supply capacity of 1,100 million cubic feet. If full gas supply is obtained from both terminals, the overall supply situation will return to normal.
