CA asks authoritiesUnb, Dhaka
Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday directed the authorities concerned to immediately find a short-term solution to gas and electricity problems, as both are in short supply. He stressed the need for enhancing the volume of gas lifting from Bibiyana gas field as a quick-fix remedy for the crunch.
The head of the caretaker government gave the directive in the light of discussions and suggestions at an informal meeting of the Council of Advisers where a presentation was made to apprise the council of the latest gas and electricity situation. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Power and Energy Ministry Prof M Tamim made the presentation that showed that there is 200-mmcfd shortage of gas while the total production of the fossil fuel is 1800-mmcfd against a total demand for 2000-mmcfd.
“This shortage is due to the limitation of gas production and transmission,” it was informed.
On the other side of the two-pronged problem, it was noted that there is the capability of generating 500 MW more electricity but it cannot be done due to the gas shortage. The meeting was told that the number of CNG filling stations has risen to 229 from only 18 in last four years, which helps in preventing rise in the price of fuel oils.
The CA asked for identifying the bottlenecks in solving the gas and electricity problems, round-the-clock monitoring by a team and strong coordination between power and energy divisions. He also emphasised immediate solution to power problem in Chittagong through installing rental power plants and non-gas-based power plants as well. As an austerity measure, the CA called for steps to limit energy consumption and “that should start first from government offices”.
Tapping alternative sources of energy, like coal and solar energy, for a long-term solution also came up for discussion at the meeting. CA’s Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim briefed newsmen about the meeting. Members of the Council of Advisers attended the meeting at the CA’s office. Cabinet secretary and secretaries concerned were also present.
The Daily Star
Date: 03/07/08, Bangladesh
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