Gas supply to normalise within 2-3 days: Minister

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, he said repair works on the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), operated by Excelerate Energy, was completed, paving the way for resumption of gas transmission.

The minister said gas transmission will return to normal soon. “With the beginning of supply, pressure in the transmission network, which has dropped significantly, will gradually improve. We hope to overcome the current crisis,” he said.

Asked how long it will take for the situation to return to normal, Mahmood said it will take at least two to three days. “It will take a minimum of two to three days. The situation will return to the level it was before the FSRU went out of operation,” he added.

Mahmood acknowledged that the gas shortage has affected electricity generation, resulting in load shedding in different parts of the country.

“Naturally, if there is no gas, consumers will not receive it, nor will my power plants. Power stations that have been shut down due to the gas shortage will restart once gas supply resumes,” he said.

Responding to a question on criticism over disruptions to gas and electricity services despite praise for the government’s other initiatives, the minister said the mechanical failure was beyond human control. “Was this something within anyone’s control?” he asked.

On allegations of unusually high electricity bills, he said consumers often failed to submit their bills for verification despite raising complaints. “When we ask people to bring the bills, they do not bring them,” he said.

Mahmood noted that electricity tariffs were increased in June and also pointed out that weather conditions and electricity consumption vary between months.

Referring to a recent social media complaint from a journalist who claimed his electricity bill rose from around Tk 3,500 to Tk 7,000, the minister said officials inspected the residence and found that two air conditioners, a refrigerator and several other electrical appliances were regularly in use.

“Considering the level of electricity consumption, I do not think such a bill is unusually high,” he said.

Mahmood also confirmed holding a routine meeting with the Indian High Commissioner, during which issues of mutual interest between the two neighbouring countries were discussed.

He said Bangladesh requested India to increase diesel exports through the existing cross-border pipeline.

Asked whether the recent online press conference by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina featured in the discussion with the Indian envoy, the minister said the issue was not discussed and declined to comment further, reports UNB.