Gas crisis in RMG sector set to end soon: Energy adviser

Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has said that the gas supply to readymade garment (RMG) factories and other industries across the country is expected to improve from Saturday.

The adviser made the announcement while talking to reporters after observing the power and energy situation in several industrial zones, including Ashulia and parts of Gazipur, on Saturday.

It was supposed to happen a day or two earlier, but unloading gas from the ship wasn’t possible due to rough seas, said the energy adviser.

Already 50 MMSCFD gas has been added and another 100 to 150 MMSCFD will follow, so the situation will improve soon, he said, adding that four additional LNG cargoes are being brought to meet the prevailing gas crisis.

UNB adds: During his visit to Towel Tex Limited factory in the Chandra area of Kaliakair Upazila, Gazipur, the adviser acknowledged the concerns raised by industrialists.

“We found some truth in the complaints raised by industrial owners regarding gas shortages. We are trying to make adjustments for this,” he said.

Explaining the delay in stabilising supply, he added, “Due to unfavourable weather conditions at sea, storage was impossible. We hope the situation will improve by this evening, and it will be monitored.”

In addition to efforts to enhance supply, the adviser warned of strict action against illegal gas connections. “Punitive measures will be taken against those involved in illegal gas connections, and such connections will be disconnected,” he said.

Earlier, following an inspection of the Dhaka Palli Bidyut Samity-1 office, the advisor addressed the ongoing protests by Palli Bidyut Samity officials and employees.

“A meeting will be held tomorrow to discuss the relationship between Palli Bidyut and REB. A committee led by the Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University has been formed. That committee will present its final report tomorrow. We will take necessary action after receiving that report,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to refrain from disruptive activities. “We are working on these issues, and they will be resolved quickly. There is no benefit in holding processions and meetings over this. Such actions only cause harm. Earlier, the electricity supply was stopped in about 26-27 locations. This was an act of sabotage. For that reason, the government was forced to take some measures.”

The adviser was accompanied during the inspection by Titas Gas Managing Director Parvez Ahmed, Energy Ministry Secretary Saiful Islam, Palli Bidyut Samity Chairman Major General Azim and other senior officials from the ministry and relevant departments.