Moheshkhali LNG Terminals' Technical Issues Worsen Chattogram's Gas Crisis
The city of Chattogram is facing a severe gas shortage due to technical and weather-related problems at Bangladesh's two floating LNG terminals in Moheshkhali. The terminals, operated by Excelerate Energy and Summit LNG, have a combined regasification capacity of 1,100 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd), but are currently supplying only 410 mmcfd, representing a shortfall of about 63%. This has caused a gas deficit of around 40% in Chattogram, with CNG refuelling stations, industries, and households bearing the brunt.
One of Excelerate Energy's two boilers is currently out of operation for maintenance, while an LNG carrier at Summit's terminal has been unable to berth due to adverse weather conditions. This has resulted in a delay in unloading newly imported LNG. The gas shortage has caused long queues at CNG refuelling stations across the city, with drivers and managers expressing frustration over the situation.
Engineer Md Tajuddin Dhali, general manager of Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Ltd's (KGDCL) engineering services department, said that the reduced supply had created a major challenge for managing the situation. He added that Chattogram's gas demand is around 350 mmcfd, while supply stood at only 210 mmcfd this morning.