Gas output from the two floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) re-gasification terminals off Maheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar remains severely constrained, worsening energy shortages across the country. Despite a combined maximum daily re-gasification capacity of 1,100 million cubic feet (mmcfd), the facilities supplied merely 660 mmcfd to the national grid on Tuesday. A steep depletion of LNG reserves at one of the units has created a daily shortfall of 440 mmcfd, threatening industrial operations and domestic supply.
The deficit is hitting manufacturing plants, CNG refueling stations, and residential consumers alike. Many industrial zones report critically low gas pressure, resulting in reduced factory output and operational disruption. Officials at energy authorities admit they cannot offer a definitive timeline for when full-capacity operations will resume.
Maheshkhali hosts two Floating Storage and Re-gasification Units (FSRUs). One is operated by the US-based infrastructure firm Excelerate Energy, while the other is run by the Bangladeshi conglomerate Summit Group under Summit LNG Terminal Company. Both units re-gasify imported LNG before pumping it into the national transmission network.
The current shortage stems primarily from Excelerate Energy’s facility, where reserves have dropped to critical levels. The situation was compounded when a commercial LNG vessel arriving under a short-term contract with Saudi Aramco was turned away. Excelerate Energy declined to unload the cargo, citing safety concerns regarding ship-to-terminal transfer procedures. Officials from Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Limited (RPGCL), a subsidiary of Petrobangla responsible for LNG imports, confirmed that arrangements are currently underway to send the rejected vessel back.
Mohammad Imtiaz Kamal Chowdhury, RPGCL Manager for the LNG Division in Cox’s Bazar, explained the distribution figures. Out of the 660 mmcfd currently supplied to the grid, Summit’s unit contributes 550 mmcfd, whereas Excelerate’s facility supplies only 110 mmcfd due to depleted reserves.
Relief hinges on the arrival of a new consignment. Mohammad Moin Uddin Chowdhury, RPGCL Manager for the LNG Division in Chittagong, noted that another LNG cargo ship is scheduled to dock on 20 August. Normal re-gasification levels are expected to resume once that shipment is successfully transferred to Excelerate’s unit.
Technical glitches and logistical setbacks have repeatedly disrupted operations at both floating units in recent weeks. Excelerate Energy’s terminal suffered a complete shutdown following technical faults on 21 July, resuming only partial operations late on 5 August. Summit’s facility was similarly forced to suspend supply last Wednesday due to mooring delays for incoming vessels, before restarting operations on Friday night.
With operational disruptions recurring alongside rejected shipments and dwindling inventories, the persistent gap between gas supply and demand continues to put pressure on Bangladesh’s industrial production and domestic power generation.
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