State-run Petrobangla is planning to increase LNG imports to feed the power plants, taking into account that the demand for electricity may increase due to rising temperatures in mid- to late-April.
According to Petrobangla sources, LNG supply will be increased to 1,100 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) from April 15 to 30, which is the highest capacity of the country’s two LNG terminals.
Earlier, Petrobangla had planned to supply 933 mmcfd of LNG from April 1 to 9. But it could supply around 600 mmcfd, causing a shortage of 332 mmcfd against the target.
On April 7, the highest amount of 601 mmcf gas was supplied to the power plants.
To meet the shortfall and increase electricity generation, Petrobangla will purchase LNG from Oman or Qatar, or from the spot market, wherever it is cheaper, sources said.
Last week, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued a directive to ensure uninterrupted power supply in rural areas to support irrigation. She said that there must be no load shedding in villages, and, if needed, towns would face power cuts.
An official of Petrobangla, on condition of anonymity, said that the Energy Division has decided to increase power generation to provide relief to people from the intense heat of April. Now 1,046 mmcfd is being supplied to grid-connected power plants. It will be increased by another 250 mmcfd, as per the plan.
According to the Power Development Board, the demand for gas-run power plants is 2,316 mmcfd. But they are getting a maximum supply of 1,050 mmcfd, which is why production is disrupted at large power plants. As a result, the authorities are forced to go for supply rationing.
Electricity demand in the summer is assumed to be a maximum of 16,500MW. But the highest production so far is 14,174MW. The rest is met by loadshedding.
