Consumers around the country are going to face an increased gas crisis during the Eid vacation as supply from Bibiyana, the country’s largest gas field would remain suspended from today for urgent maintenance, Petrobangla officials said.
Bibiyana gas field, operated by US-based Chevron, supplies around 850 million cubic feet (mmcf) of gas per day to the national grid. As a result, the gas supply would drop to around 1400mmcfd from 2250mmcfd during the vacation.
On the other hand, after the Eid vacation production at the Bangora gas field will also remain suspended between October 21 and October 25 for maintenance work.
The Bangora gas field, operated by Irish Company Tullow supplies 100mmcfd gas in the national grid, which mainly goes to Chittagong.
Petrobangla Chairman Hossain Monsur while talking to the Dhaka Tribune yesterday confirmed the information.
Earlier on June 22 this year, nationwide gas supply was disrupted for nearly 20 hours following a leak in the processing plant of the Bibiyana gas field in Habiganj.
“Bibiyana will go for regular maintenance tomorrow [today].” Assistant Manager of Communications (Media) at Chevron Bangladesh, Sabreena Rahman told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.
She said Chevron Bangladesh plans to perform its scheduled maintenance and upkeep of the Bibiyana Gas Field during the upcoming Eid holidays from October 15 to October 19.
“As a part of the maintenance, there will be a temporary halt in production. The Operation has been timed to coincide with the holiday closure as national consumption will be at its lowest during this time period. However, the exact shutdown timing may vary based on the gas demand during that period.” she said.
“During this time, gas production from Chevron’s Jalabad and Moulavibazar Gas field’s facilities will be maximized.
According to the tentative schedule, we anticipate full flow to start from October 20, 2013.” Sabreena said.
Meanwhile, Petrobangla chairman said: “We have already informed the Power Development Board (PDB) and all fertiliser factories to take necessary preparations for shortage in gas supply due to maintenance at Bibiyana and Bangora gas field.”
“After the maintenance, both gas fields will hopefully start full-fledged production,” he said.