The partial resumption of operations at the floating LNG terminal in Moheshkhali of Cox’s Bazar has brought only limited relief to Chittagong, where a prolonged gas shortage continues to disrupt electricity generation and worsen daily load shedding across the region.
The LNG terminal resumed operations after remaining shut for nearly two weeks because of a technical fault. However, the restoration has not been sufficient to meet the region's energy demand.
As a result, households and businesses in Chittagong experience frequent power outages, with many residents reporting five to six hours of load shedding every day. Rural communities are facing even longer interruptions.
According to the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), Chittagong has 28 power plants powered by gas, furnace oil, coal and hydropower. Six of those plants were out of operation on August 3 due to mechanical problems, fuel shortages or scheduled operating patterns.
Although the region's installed generation capacity exceeds 4,600 megawatts, actual production has dropped significantly because gas-fired plants are unable to operate at full capacity.
Official data show that electricity generation reached 2,819.14 MW during off-peak hours and 3,302.60 MW during peak hours on August 3. The BPDB reported electricity demand of 1,352.96 MW during off-peak hours and 1,477.2 MW during peak hours, with load shedding recorded at 65 MW and 62 MW respectively.
Consumers, however, said that the official figures do not reflect the reality on the ground, adding that power cuts have become much more frequent and prolonged.
Residents across the city say repeated outages have disrupted daily life and damaged electrical appliances due to constant voltage fluctuations. In rural parts of Chittagong, some areas are experiencing six to seven hours of power cuts each day, making living conditions increasingly difficult during the hot summer months.
The gas shortage has also forced major government-owned power plants to reduce output. Two 210 MW units at the Raozan power station, with a combined capacity of 420 MW, have remained shut because of inadequate gas supply.
The 225 MW Shikalbaha gas-fired power plant has also scaled back production. Plant officials said full-capacity operation requires about 37 million cubic feet of gas per day, but the facility has recently been receiving only 28 to 30 million cubic feet, limiting electricity generation to around 183-184 MW.
According to Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL), Chittagong's daily gas demand stands at approximately 350 million cubic feet, while current supply is only 200-220 million cubic feet, leaving a daily shortfall of up to 150 million cubic feet. The deficit has affected residential, commercial and transport sectors in addition to electricity generation.
KGDCL Managing Director Engineer Md Salahuddin said that it will take several more days before gas supply returns to normal.
RPGCL Manager Imtiaz Kamal Chowdhury said one terminal has resumed supplying around 180 million cubic feet of gas per day alongside another terminal supplying about 570 million cubic feet.
Following repairs carried out with the assistance of foreign specialists, gas transmission has resumed gradually. However, authorities acknowledge that restoring full electricity generation and stabilising power supply across the region will take additional time.