KGDCL advises dwellers not to panic about smell, gas outage in Ctg

May 15, 2023

Chattogram Bureau :

A chemical called ‘odorant’ is used to check for gas leakage. Due to the use of ‘odorant’, some areas of the city smell of gas. Officials of Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL) said that there is nothing to worry about.
The operation of two LNG terminals in Maheshkhali was stopped from 11:00pm last Friday to avoid the possible damage of cyclone ‘Mocha’. Due to the closure of the two terminals, the daily average flow of 700 million cubic feet of gas was stopped. As a result, gas shortage occurs in various areas including Chattogram city. Gas supply was stopped in different areas of the city from Saturday morning. In some places the pressure is reduced even if the supply is on.
In the afternoon, several customers complained that the smell of gas could be found in Akbarshah, Pahartali and other areas of the city. Many people posted on Facebook in panic. When asked about this, General Manager (Operations) of KGDCL, Aminur Rahman told the media that a type of chemical called ‘odorant’ is used to check gas leakage.
Now as the gas supply is stopped, the smell of ‘odorant’ is getting more.
KGDCL official Amin said, “Customers have nothing to fear about smelling gas. If you smell gas anywhere, report it to our emergency control room. We will check if there is any leakage. Any leakage or any defect will be taken seriously.”
Raees Uddin Ahmed, General Manager (Engineering Services) of KGDCL also said the same thing. He told the media that odorant is mixed with gas. This is why the smell is coming. But even if there is a leakage, gas can be smelled. “If we get news of leakage somewhere, we will see. I will check and take necessary measures.”
Meanwhile Chattogram’s gas outage, caused by the temporary shutdown of two LNG terminals due to cyclone ‘Mocha’, has compelled residents to seek alternative options for cooked meals.
Many people are relying on restaurants to order in or resorting to alternative cooking methods, including the use of cylinder gas, electric ovens, rice cookers, as well as kerosene stoves, ovens, and electric kettles. People are in disarray as traders have significantly increased prices of these items.