Petrobangla, the state-owned energy corporation, is gearing up to boost LNG imports as part of strategic measures to meet escalating electricity demand, anticipated to surge with the onset of higher temperatures in mid- to late-April.
Sources within Petrobangla reveal plans to elevate LNG supply to 1,100 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) from April 15 to 30, leveraging the maximum capacity of the nation’s two LNG terminals.
Initial projections had slated a supply of 933 mmcfd of LNG from April 1 to 9. However, actual supply amounted to only around 600 mmcfd, resulting in a shortfall of 332 mmcfd against the target.
On April 7, a record supply of 601 mmcf gas was directed to power plants, underscoring the urgency to bridge the gap between demand and supply.
In response to the shortfall and to bolster electricity generation, Petrobangla is exploring options to procure LNG from Oman or Qatar, or through the spot market, wherever cost-effective, industry sources disclose.
The recent directive from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina underscores the imperative of ensuring uninterrupted power supply, particularly in rural areas to support agricultural activities like irrigation. Consequently, efforts are underway to minimize or eliminate load shedding in villages, even if it necessitates temporary power cuts in urban centers.
An insider from Petrobangla, speaking on condition of anonymity, reveals that the Energy Division has mandated an increase in power generation to mitigate the impact of soaring temperatures expected in April. Presently, 1,046 mmcfd is supplied to grid-connected power plants, with plans to augment this by an additional 250 mmcfd.
Despite a demand of 2,316 mmcfd for gas-run power plants, the current supply ceiling stands at 1,050 mmcfd, resulting in operational disruptions at major power plants and necessitating supply rationing.
During the summer season, electricity demand peaks at an estimated 16,500MW, whereas the highest recorded production to date stands at 14,174MW, leaving a shortfall that is managed through load shedding.
