State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid yesterday said that gas crisis in Chittagong would be resolved within two and a half years if the projects undertaken by the government could be implemented within the stipulated time frame.
“The government is emphasising on every options including existing gas, fuel and coal-based power generation as well as establishment of power plants based on imported liquefied gas and locally-explored natural gas – both in public and private sectors – to address the future demand of energy in the country,” he told a discussion in the capital.
The roundtable titled “Industrialisation of Chittagong: Availability of Energy” was organised by Chittagong Journalists Forum, Dhaka (CJFD) at Bidyut Bhaban.
President of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mahbubul Alam said that over 3,000 industrial units were unable to start production due to gas shortage in the port city. He observed that the problem could easily be addressed by establishing a dedicated gas pipeline between Bakhrabad and Chittagong.
He said that Chittagong must play a major role as a vibrant commercial and industrial zone to achieve the government’s vision. The government should take steps to resolve gas crisis within a certain period.
Chittagong is reeling on 300 mmcf gas shortage every day.
Nasrul said that a team was working to ascertain the price of imported gas and modalities of gas usage. The government also needs to prepare a mechanism about long-term contract for gas import and supply from permitted stock.
“We need experts for gas negotiation, gas distribution and to ascertaining the gas price,” he added.
The state minister said that the demand for gas might be doubled particularly for meeting the target of the garment sector to fetch $50 billion exports by 2021.
He also said that the government had prioritised industrial zones than households to supply natural gas and that the domestic users should use LPG cylinders.
Buet teacher Prof M Tamim, Director General of the Power Cell Mohammad Hossain and FBCCI leader Monwara Hakim Ali also address the programme.
