Both floating LNG terminals in Maheshkhali have resumed operations, bringing some relief to Bangladesh’s gas supply system. However, the shortage is expected to persist as the terminals may operate at around 70 percent of their combined capacity over the next week.
Gas supply could rise to around 2,380–2,430 million cubic feet (mmcf) per day, against national demand of approximately 3,800 mmcf.
The continued shortfall is also putting pressure on power generation. Peak electricity demand this week may reach around 17,500 megawatts, while maximum generation is estimated at 15,500–16,000 MW.
According to Power Grid Bangladesh’s forecast, 82 of the country’s 143 power plants were either offline or generating below capacity due to fuel shortages or maintenance.
Several major coal-fired power plants are also operating below capacity. The Payra, Rampal and RNPL Patuakhali plants, each with a capacity of 1,320 MW, are currently generating around half of their capacity. Payra and Rampal have one unit each offline for maintenance, while RNPL Patuakhali is facing coal supply problems.
Meanwhile, Summit’s LNG terminal resumed supply on Friday evening after running out of LNG a day earlier. It supplied around 500 mmcf of gas yesterday, close to its full capacity.
Excelerate Energy’s terminal also resumed operations early yesterday but is currently supplying around 300 mmcf, or half of its 600 mmcf capacity. Repair work on a boiler damaged in a July 21 fire is expected to continue until Wednesday.
Officials said the two terminals could together supply around 750–800 mmcf of gas per day over the coming days, compared with their combined regasification capacity of about 1,100 mmcf.
Although the restart marks an improvement from recent days, gas supply remains well below demand. Before the latest disruptions, Bangladesh typically received around 2,650 mmcf of gas daily against demand of nearly 3,800 mmcf.
The shortage is already affecting power generation and industries, with factories operating below capacity. Reduced gas supply to CNG stations has also led to long queues in several areas.
