Chattogram gas crisis persists as supply falls 45 percent short of demand
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CHITTAGONG — A severe natural gas crisis continues to grip Chittagong as supply levels remain significantly below demand, forcing utility authorities to implement strict rationing across residential and industrial sectors.
As of 8:00 a.m. Saturday, the Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL) reported receiving 175 million cubic feet of gas over the previous 24-hour period. This output mirrors Friday’s levels and meets only 55 percent of the region’s daily demand, which stands at approximately 320 million cubic feet. The resulting daily deficit of 145 million cubic feet has paralyzed operations for many local industries and disrupted household services.
KGDCL officials stated that the current supply shortage makes it impossible to meet basic requirements across all sectors. They noted that an increase in daily supply to at least 250 million cubic feet would be required to stabilize the current situation. In the interim, authorities are forced to regulate gas pressure and supply volume to manage the critical shortfall.
The industrial sector is bearing the brunt of the shortage, with many factories struggling to maintain production levels due to insufficient gas pressure. To compensate, several manufacturers have shifted to diesel and furnace oil, leading to a sharp increase in production costs.
State-owned Petrobangla, the national energy corporation, expects relief to arrive by Sunday with the delivery of a new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) cargo. Director Md. Shoeb indicated that the arrival of this shipment should boost regasification processes and improve supply to the national grid, potentially alleviating the strain on Chittagong.
The current crisis stems from ongoing operational instability at the two floating LNG terminals located in Maheshkhali. A fire on July 21 at the Excelerate Energy terminal significantly reduced gas injection into the national grid. While conditions temporarily improved after the mid-August resumption of operations at the Summit and Excelerate terminals, a lack of consistent LNG supply led to a total halt of gas delivery from the Excelerate terminal last Wednesday.
Nationwide, the gas deficit has reached critical levels. Against a daily national demand of 3.8 billion cubic feet, current supply stands at approximately 2.22 billion cubic feet, leaving a shortfall of 1.58 billion cubic feet.
KGDCL officials maintain that while the upcoming LNG cargo is expected to provide some relief, the region may face continued volatility should delivery schedules or terminal operations face further disruptions.
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