LNG home connections still a far cry

Though LNG gas has arrived, home connections are still not possible. To see any positive change due to LNG, we have to wait till the middle of next year, said energy specialists.
Specialists also said that without waiting, it will be difficult to take decision about giving new gas connections to homes.
The government has given permission for two thousand industrial connections stating that based on accumulation of gas, connections will be provided.
Energy sources say, the production of gas is not being increased and the imported gas is relatively costly, therefore the government wants this to be reserved for industrial use.
State minister for power, energy and natural resources, Nasrul Hamid, said: “the government does not support giving gas to homes and also discourages gas connections to unplanned industries.”
An energy ministry official said: “for the time being, LNG supply will have to be limited within Chittagong.”
The supply capacity of Chittagong ring main pipe line is 350 million square feet; until the construction of the Anwara Fouzdarhaat gas pipe line is finished, LNG cannot be supplied in full flow, added the official.
Currently, there is a deficit of 500 million square feet of gas; once the LNG supply increases by mid next year, decisions will be taken on home connections.
The government has not had any discussion with distribution companies regarding home gas connections.
Therefore, prior to giving home connections, a survey has to be carried out.
Managing director of Titas, engineer Mir Moshiur Rahman, said: “we have not had any discussion with the government about home connections.”
Everything depends on the decision of the government, he added.
When home connections were stopped in 2010, it was stated that once production reaches 2200 million square feet daily, connections will be open.
Before 2014 election, gas connections were opened and then shut down at the end of 2015.
At that time, all distribution companies were asked unofficially to refrain from giving connections.