The New Nation - Internet Edition

POWER generation in the country is substantially dependent on gas as the power plants are mostly gas-fired. Shortage of gas is, thus, hampering power production which in turn has also created a power crisis. Power Development Board (PDB) sources reportedly said, poor gas supply has meant the complete shutdown of two power plants while power generation in eight more units dwindled to more than half of their normal capacity. But the present declining generation of power with little prospects of improvement, is creating deep worry about a severe power crunch in the coming summer months when demand for power will soar but meeting the demand would be difficult.

Many industries in the Tongi-Gazipur industrial belt around Dhaka are under-producing as these are gas-based and the poor supply of gas to the industries is seriously hindering their production activities. The industries in most cases are export-oriented and their failure to produce enough is not only denying them earnings but also posing a threat to their goodwill abroad.

Gas is also used in large volumes to produce fertiliser. But production in the fertiliser factories has fallen drastically in view of the gas crisis. The Council of Advisers' recent approval to allow the import of over 0.1 million tonnes of fertiliser is indicative of the situation.

There was a record investment in new industrial enterprises in recent years. The operation and viability of many of them have become uncertain in the face of inadequate availability of energy. Thus, from any angle one looks at it, the economy is facing a grave situation as a consequence of the shrunken supply of gas. Thus, government needs to work on an emergency footing to boost the generation of gas from the existing reserves, supply the same in adequate quantities to users, specially the power plants. Development of new reserves and urgent import from Myanmar should also be ensured, if need be.