Hours lost in queues as gas crisis lingers
FSRU repairs under way, operations expected to resume soon.
Highlights:
- LNG terminal fault cuts national gas supply.
- CNG drivers spend hours in queues as stations run dry.
- Low pressure disrupts factories in Brahmanbaria, Narayanganj.
- Repairs under way, FSRU may resume operations soon.
A fire-related technical fault at the Excelerate Energy-operated floating LNG terminal off Moheshkhali has reduced gas supply to the national grid, triggering a severe shortage in Dhaka and other parts of the country.
In Dhaka, long queues formed at filling stations in Moghbazar, Sat Rasta, Mirpur and Paribagh yesterday, while several stations in Tejgaon, Malibagh and Motijheel temporarily stopped selling CNG.
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Drivers said they waited between two and six hours, with many moving from one station to another.
Pickup driver Shah Alam said he had waited more than four hours the previous day but received only a small amount of gas.
"Before, I could almost fill the tank at one go. Now, even after waiting so long, I get only a little gas. It wastes time and reduces my income," he said.
Low pressure hits Brahmanbaria stations
In Brahmanbaria, Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company Limited Deputy General Manager Engineer Md Shafiqul Haque said the company supplies five filling stations with a combined daily allocation of 50,000 cubic metres, although demand is higher.
"Despite the demand, we cannot supply more gas. The current shortage has worsened because of the disruption in LNG supply," he said.
He added that the company was working to resolve other issues affecting pressure in the distribution network.
At Sopan Filling Station in Sarail, Engineer Golam Rabbani said normal refuelling required around 12-15psi, but pressure had fallen to around 1-2psi, at times close to zero.
Auto-rickshaw driver Md Yasin said he waited nearly four hours to refuel.
"Even after waiting nearly four hours, I could get only Tk155 worth of gas because of the low pressure," he said.
Low pressure disrupts Narayanganj factories
The shortage has also disrupted industrial production in Narayanganj, where some factories are using diesel and generators at additional cost.
Tushar Ahmed, manager of Fatullah Dyeing and Calendaring, said the factory requires 25 psi and can operate with at least 18 psi, but had been receiving only 2-3psi.
"Production has almost stopped. We can barely keep the boiler running," he said.
Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem said gas supply had been severely disrupted across the Narayanganj, Narsingdi and Dhaka industrial belt, warning that the limited supply could delay shipments.
Repairs under way at Excelerate FSRU
Energy and Mineral Resources Division Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam said a fire at the Excelerate Energy-operated FSRU damaged cables and a boiler, disrupting supply from the terminal.
He said a team of experts from the UK was assessing the damage and working to restore the facility.
"What we have learned is that the Excelerate FSRU could be operational by tomorrow or the following day," he said.
Energy and Mineral Resources Division Joint Secretary Monir Hossain Chowdhury said the necessary replacement parts were available and repairs were under way.
