Anticipated relief is on the horizon for gas supply in the country as the Summit Floating Storage and Re-gasification Unit (FSRU) is poised to recommence operations on April 3 following routine maintenance.
The temporary halt in one of the two FSRUs last month led to a dip in gas supply to the national grid, resulting in a decrease of 500 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD), leaving the supply at approximately 2,655 MMCFD.
Of the FSRUs stationed in Maheshkhali, one boasting a capacity of 650 MMCFD is managed by US-based Excelerate Energy, while the other, with a capacity of 500 MMCFD, is overseen by Summit Group.
Engr. Md. Kamruzzaman Khan, Director (Operation & Mines) of Petrobangla, affirmed, “The Summit FSRU, having concluded its maintenance program, is primed for operation, with resumption slated for April 3.” He expressed optimism that this move would augment the gas supply by 500 MMCFD, alleviating the overall supply scenario.
Khan elaborated, “With the Summit FSRU back in action, Petrobangla anticipates a surge in supply from 1100 to 1500 MMCFD.”
Despite this positive development, Petrobangla officials cautioned that the gas crisis persists, with a substantial gap between demand and supply. With the country’s gas demand hovering around 4000 MMCFD, even after the FSRU resumes operation, supply would peak at a maximum of 3150 MMCFD, according to another official.
The gas shortage has particularly plagued industries in Dhaka, Gazipur, and Narayanganj, where low-pressure gas flow has disrupted operations, jeopardizing production and incurring significant financial losses.
Hundreds of factories in areas like Kaliakoir, Gazipur, have grappled with the ramifications of the gas crisis, with some forced to suspend operations entirely. To mitigate the impact, some industries have resorted to using CNG at increased costs, albeit with diminished efficiency.
In this dire scenario, the resumption of Summit FSRU operations signals a glimmer of hope, albeit challenges persist as industries navigate through the ongoing crisis.
