Gas Crisis Worsens as Rough Seas Halt LNG Unloading

LNG vessels have been unable to berth at the floating terminal in Maheshkhali due to rough seas, forcing Summit Power Limited’s terminal to suspend gas supply. This has reduced gas supply to the national grid by another 100 million cubic feet, worsening shortages in Dhaka, Chattogram and elsewhere. Only around 300 million cubic feet of gas is currently being supplied from the partially operational Excelerate terminal. The terminal could also be shut if bad weather persists. The crisis has disrupted industrial production and left thousands of CNG-powered vehicles waiting in long queues at filling stations. Drivers said they are spending hours or even entire nights waiting for gas, while low pressure has further slowed refuelling.

Chattogram requires around 350 million cubic feet of gas daily, but supply fell to 180-190 million cubic feet on Wednesday, creating a deficit of nearly 50 percent, according to officials of Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL). KGDCL Deputy General Manager Mr. Rafique Khan said, “Our gas supply fell to 190 million cubic feet on Wednesday afternoon and is declining further. When the situation will improve depends entirely on the weather at sea.” Wind speeds around Maheshkhali have reached about 38 knots, while LNG vessels require winds below 20 knots to berth safely. Supply from the two floating LNG terminals has fallen from the normal 1,000-1,050 million cubic feet to around 400 million cubic feet. A 66,000-tonne LNG vessel, BW Lesmes, is expected to reach Maheshkhali on August 15 and supply Summit’s terminal. Until then, Summit’s terminal is expected to remain closed. The Excelerate terminal is currently supplying 300 million cubic feet against its 600-million-cubic-foot capacity, with repairs to a damaged boiler requiring a 72-hour shutdown.