Record Gas Supply from Maheshkhali Terminal Brings Relief to Industries, Power Plants, CNG Stations and Households

Gas supply from the floating LNG terminals in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, has increased to a recent record level. Since Saturday morning, the two terminals have been supplying up to 1,050 million cubic feet (mmcf) of gas per day, compared with around 1,000 mmcf for more than a month. The higher LNG supply has increased gas availability in the national grid, bringing relief to industries, CNG filling stations and residential consumers. Gas-fired power plants have also increased generation, helping reduce load-shedding.

At 1pm on Saturday, national electricity demand stood at 13,815 megawatts, while 13,631 MW was supplied. The shortfall was 184 MW. A Petrobangla official said the increase was possible because LNG cargo schedules were on track. US-based Excelerate Energy’s terminal is supplying 500 mmcf, while local company Summit Power’s terminal is supplying 550 mmcf. The two terminals have a combined capacity of 1,050–1,100 mmcf.

The Summit terminal was temporarily shut on Thursday afternoon after bad weather disrupted LNG unloading. Unloading resumed on Friday morning, allowing gas supply to rise again. The two terminals require about 10 LNG cargoes a month to operate at full capacity. LNG imports had fallen in recent months due to disruptions linked to the Iran war and difficulties around the Strait of Hormuz. Delays in vessel arrivals and difficulties securing spot-market LNG also contributed to the gas shortage.

This month, nine LNG cargoes were scheduled, of which eight have arrived. Another cargo is expected on September 28, with several more scheduled for October. Government figures show daily gas demand at about 3,800 mmcf, while supply has remained around 2,650–2,700 mmcf. Imported LNG accounts for 35–40% of the country’s gas supply. Any disruption in LNG imports can therefore quickly worsen the domestic gas shortage.