The New Nation - Internet Edition

In the backdrop of electricity and gas supply shortage, the Chief Adviser is reported to have directed the concerned bodies of the government to bring about a quick solution to the problem. The country is facing a shortage of 200 million cubic feet of gas against a daily demand for 2000 mmcfd due to limited gas production and distribution. The shortage of electricity is 500 megawatts. Though there is the capacity for generating the same, shortage of gas supply to power production units prevented the achievement of optimum power generation. For immediate solution of the problem the Chief Adviser stressed enhancing gas production from the Bibiana gas field.

Gas and electricity are like the lifeblood of the national economy. Gas is a source of energy for power generation and at the same time a raw material for the production of fertiliser. About 80 percent of the country's power production is fuelled by gas. A large number of big and small industries use gas as fuel. So gas crisis needs to be solved urgently. Short supply of gas and electricity to households has been a cause of inconvenience and discomfort for the people. But scarce supply tremendously hampers the growth of the national economy. Investment in the industrial sectors has slowed down due to inadequate supply of gas and electricity. Installation process of some big industrial enterprises is reported to have been stopped due to lack of immediate availability of gas and electricity. Both the foreign and local entrepreneurs shy away from investment for the same reason. Thus quick solution of power and energy crises should be addressed in right earnest while efforts must be made to prepare medium and long term plans to bring a lasting solution of power and energy crises.