Gas Supply Chain Suffers From LNG Withdrawal

Irrespective of whatever contingency actions for smart transition are taken to increase the contribution of clean energy, Bangladesh will remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels - gas, LNG, and coal - at least until 2040.

- Saleque Sufi

Natural gas will dominate the fuel mix. Against the backdrop of the major depleting scenario of the country's proven gas reserves and not encouraging prospects of major discovery, imported LNG will play a major role as a fuel resource. Bangladesh's gas demand is now 4,200 MMCFD. In 24 hours on May 22-23, 2025, Petrobangla supplied 2,676 MMCFD, including 801 MMCFD RLNG. Two FSRUs have a stated capacity of 1,100 MMCFD. The question arises: Why is the gas supply chain not getting at least 1,000 MMCFD RLNG supply at the time of high system demand? The Energy Adviser has assured gas-hungry industries of an increase of at least 250 MMCFD gas supply. An additional 200 MMCFD RLNG supply could facilitate gas supply to end users. Industries, especially in the TGTDCL franchise of Gazipur, Tongi, Ashulia, Savar, and Narayanganj areas, have been suffering from an acute gas crisis.