I would disconnect gas supply to every home in Dhaka if I could: Energy adviser
Highlighting the declining domestic production, the energy adviser also said that Bangladesh’s gas output is dropping by nearly 200 million cubic feet annually, while dependence on imported LNG is rising
Energy Adviser Mohammad Fawzul Kabir Khan has said if he had the opportunity, he would disconnect all domestic gas connections in Dhaka to curb wastage.
He made the remark while speaking to journalists after inspecting two gas wells in Golapganj upazila of Sylhet around 9:30am this morning (13 June).
Addressing a question about long-standing demands from residents in gas-producing areas of Sylhet for household gas connections, the adviser said, "Providing gas to households is a waste, especially when industrial sectors are struggling with shortages. There will be no new residential gas connections going forward — this option should be permanently closed."
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He added, "If it was within my power, I would disconnect gas supply to every home in Dhaka as well."
To address the concerns of residents in gas-producing regions, the adviser said that the government plans to provide cylinder-based LPG at subsidised prices instead of pipeline gas.
Highlighting the declining domestic production, the energy adviser also said that Bangladesh's gas output is dropping by nearly 200 million cubic feet annually, while dependence on imported LNG is risisng.
The government is making efforts to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports, he said.
During the inspection, Khan visited Kailashtila-7 and Sylhet-10 gas wells, which are currently contributing 16 million cubic feet of gas daily to the national grid.
During today's visit, the adviser inspected Kailashtila-7 gas field, BAPEX's Rig Bijoy-12, and the prepared rig pad for workover at Kailashtila-1 well.
He also visited the Kailashtila Metering and Separation Terminal Plant.
During the visit, the adviser was accompanied by Additional Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division (Operations) Md Khalid Ahmed along with BAPEX and SGFL engineers including Managing Director Md Soheb Ahmed, Petrobangla Chairman Rehsanul Islam, and Additional Secretary Monir Hossain.
Kailashtila Gas Field DGM Faruk Ahmed, MST Plant DGM Zafar Rayhan, and other field officers and employees involved in the ongoing gas operations were also present during the visit.
