Due to the gas crisis, around 3,000 megawatts of load shedding is occurring during peak evening hours. Less than half of the required gas is being supplied for power generation. To ensure adequate electricity supply in Dhaka city, more load shedding is being imposed in rural areas.
This information was disclosed at a press briefing held বৃহস্পতিবার at the Secretariat by the Power Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.
Power Division spokesperson and Joint Secretary Umme Rehana said that the situation will persist until gas supply for power generation increases. However, conditions are expected to improve in the first week of May. She added that about 2,000 MW of additional electricity generation is expected during that time, which will reduce the crisis and load shedding.
She also mentioned that electricity supply is being prioritized for agriculture and industry amid the shortage.
According to data shared at the briefing, on Wednesday evening the electricity demand was 15,767 MW, while generation stood at 13,681 MW, resulting in over 2,000 MW of load shedding. On Thursday, the shortfall rose to nearly 3,000 MW.
It was also stated that around 200 crore cubic feet (2,000 million cubic feet) of gas is required for power generation. If 120 crore cubic feet (1,200 million cubic feet) of gas is supplied, about 7,200 MW of electricity can be generated. However, currently only 85 to 90 crore cubic feet of gas is being provided for power generation.
Umme Rehana said that due to the energy crisis, it is not possible to generate sufficient electricity, leading to ongoing load shedding. She expressed hope that the situation will improve by May.
The Joint Secretary added that some level of load shedding occurs every summer, but this year it is higher due to the conflict in the Middle East, particularly disruptions in LNG imports through the Strait of Hormuz.
She noted that due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, LNG imports have been disrupted, creating complications. As a result, the Energy Division is procuring fuel from the spot market to support power generation.
It was also informed at the briefing that the unit of India’s Adani Power that is currently shut down will resume operation on April 26, adding 700 MW of electricity to the national grid.