Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood on Thursday said that the country's ongoing energy crisis is expected to ease soon following the repair of a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) and the arrival of LNG cargoes.
"The current gas shortage was triggered by an unexpected fire on an FSRU. While a major disaster was averted, the damage caused significant disruption to gas supplies and required specialized repairs by engineers from Britain and Singapore," he said.
The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled "Navigating Bangladesh's Energy Crisis: Immediate Priorities and the Path to a Sustainable Energy Future", organized by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) in the city.
Iqbal Hassan Mahmood said a 72-hour total shutdown would be required for boiler maintenance after completion of the second phase of repairs, which could temporarily worsen the gas crisis.
However, the government has already procured LNG cargoes, which will be unloaded immediately after the FSRU becomes operational, he said, expressing hope that the move would significantly improve the current gas supply situation.
The minister also highlighted a significant change in the country's electricity demand pattern, saying peak demand now extends beyond midnight and recently reached 18,000 megawatts. He attributed much of the night-time demand to the charging of battery-run rickshaws.
Many of the charging points use illegal electricity connections, he said, adding that the ministry faces public resistance and even physical altercations when attempting to disconnect such connections.
Outlining the government's long-term roadmap, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said three new FSRUs would be established by 2029 at Payra, Mongla and Hiron Point to strengthen LNG supply and improve distribution, particularly in the Khulna region.
The government is also planning to construct an undersea gas pipeline from Chattogram to Bakhrabad to overcome limitations in the existing pipeline network, he said.
The minister said the government is taking steps to strengthen Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX) after years of inadequate exploration, including ordering two new drilling rigs to intensify domestic gas exploration.
To provide immediate support to industries, he mentioned that the government has allowed a private company to transport gas from Bhola directly to factories.
He said Bangladesh is also holding discussions with Malaysia on introducing a containerized gas delivery system for industrial users, which could help supply gas without waiting for new pipelines to be constructed.
On energy-sector reforms, the minister said the government is moving away from the existing "single buyer system" to increase private-sector participation and strengthen energy security.
A new Fuel Oil Policy is being drafted to allow private-sector entities to import and distribute oil after consultations with stakeholders, he said.
Highlighting the recently adopted Solar Energy Policy, he said the government has introduced tax holidays and reduced duties on batteries and inverters to 5 percent to encourage the expansion of renewable energy.
Concluding his remarks, Iqbal Hasan Mahmood said the government is working on a war footing under the leadership of the prime minister to address the energy crisis and sought moral support from investors and the media in navigating the current challenges.
