Imported gas availability improves
Bangladesh’s imported gas availability has improved significantly, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply to the national grid rising to 810 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) on Saturday, the highest level since a disruption at Excelerate Energy’s floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) on 21 July.
The increase has pushed the country’s total gas supply to 2,425 mmcfd, offering some relief to a national energy system that has faced severe shortages in recent weeks and putting greater scope for maintaining electricity generation amid widespread load shedding.
According to data released by Petrobangla’s Public Relations Department at 4pm, Excelerate Energy’s FSRU supplied 300 mmcfd to the national grid, while Summit’s FSRU supplied 510 mmcfd.
Domestic gas production and supply stood at 1,615 mmcfd, meaning locally produced gas accounted for around two-thirds of the total supply, with LNG making up the remainder.
The latest figures represent a marked recovery from the sharp decline in gas availability following the disruption at Excelerate Energy’s FSRU off Maheshkhali, which significantly reduced LNG supplies to the grid and contributed to widespread shortages and pressure on power generation.
Petrobangla’s daily gas and condensate production and distribution report showed that national gas supply had fallen to 1,931.2 mmcf on 13-14 August, against an official demand of 3,854 mmcf.
Supply was 2,039.2 mmcf on 12-13 August, 2,109.6 mmcf on 11-12 August and 2,199.1 mmcf on 10-11 August.
Today’s 2,425 mmcfd supply is therefore the highest recorded since the Excelerate FSRU disruption on 21 July.
Power sector may receive up to 960 mmcfd
Meanwhile, Petrobangla is planning to raise gas supplies to the power sector to as much as 960 mmcfd as the authorities seek to support electricity generation amid the ongoing power crisis and load shedding.
Gas allocation to power plants has fluctuated in recent weeks, remaining at around 860 mmcfd at different points, according to Petrobangla.
The state-owned gas company plans to increase the allocation to up to 960 mmcfd, depending on overall availability and system requirements.
The additional supply is intended to help power plants maintain generation while Petrobangla balances limited gas availability among electricity producers, fertiliser factories, industries and other consumers.
Bangladesh currently has two operational FSRUs with a combined regasification capacity of around 1,100 mmcfd. Summit’s FSRU can supply up to 500 mmcfd, while Excelerate Energy’s terminal has a capacity of around 600 mmcfd.
Excelerate is currently supplying 300 mmcfd, below its full capacity, while Summit is supplying 510 mmcfd, according to Petrobangla data.
The recovery in LNG imports is expected to ease pressure on the national gas grid, although Petrobangla still faces the challenge of balancing available supplies against demand from the power, fertiliser, industrial and other sectors.
With total supply now significantly higher than earlier this month, the latest improvement in imported gas availability could provide some immediate relief to consumers and the power sector, although overall supply remains well below the country’s official demand.
