Energy Bangla

The technical fault at the LNG floating terminal in Maheshkhali has remained unresolved even after four days, and Petrobangla is still unable to specify when repairs will be completed.
Md. Rafiqul Islam, Director (Engineering) of Petrobangla, told Energy Bangla that the current fault is more complex than previous incidents. “In most earlier cases, similar problems were resolved within a few hours. This time, however, the issue is more complicated, which is why the repair is taking longer,” he said.
Responding to a question, Rafiqul Islam added that the terminal is among the better-performing floating LNG facilities in South Asia. “Its operational availability is around 80 percent, whereas many similar facilities operate at around 40 percent,” he said, expressing hope that the repairs would be completed soon.
Bangladesh has two floating LNG terminals—one operated by Summit LNG Terminal and the other by Excelerate Energy. The current technical fault has occurred at the Excelerate-operated terminal.
The country’s floating LNG terminals have experienced repeated technical failures or breakdowns almost every year during periods of severe weather. Each time, the disruptions have caused widespread hardship for consumers.
With gas supplies severely disrupted, consumers are enduring significant difficulties. Many CNG filling stations have remained closed due to the gas shortage, while the few that are still operating are witnessing long queues.
The shortage has affected the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors alike, leaving many users without viable alternatives. As a result of the gas crisis, 38 power plants have been shut down, fertilizer production has nearly come to a halt, CNG stations remain closed, and industrial entrepreneurs are increasingly concerned about meeting their export orders.