Pipeline rupture, reduced LNG supply causes severe gas shortage in Chattogram

Residents of Chattogram have been enduring a severe gas shortage over the past three days due to a damaged pipeline and reduced supply from the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Maheshkhali, Cox's Bazar.  

The disruption began when a gas transmission line in Halishahar was damaged during excavation work for the Chattogram Waterlogging Removal Project (CWRP) on Thursday night, causing partial or complete gas outages in several areas of the city, including Halishahar, Agrabad, and Khulshi.  

Low gas pressure and intermittent supply was also reported from areas like Askar Dighi Par, Dewanbazar, DC Road, Firingibazar, and Kotwali.

According to officials from Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL), the transmission line was damaged near Barapole in Halishahar while digging a canal for the waterlogging relief project. 

Adding to the crisis, the LNG Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) in Maheshkhali has been temporarily shut down for maintenance, further straining gas supply in the region. 

Residents in the affected areas have reported significant inconvenience as the situation has left them unable to cook meals at home.

Anjuman Ara Begum, a resident of Dewanbazar, sharing her frustration, said, "We had to buy rice from a hotel for dinner as no gas was available since Friday evening." 

"Gas pressure remained too low for cooking on Saturday morning as well," she added.

However, authorities concerned expect the gas shortage to gradually ease by evening today. 

Engr Shafiul Azom Khan, general manager of KGDCL's Engineering Services Department, said, "Our 10-inch pipeline in Barapole, Halishahar, was accidentally ruptured during the canal excavation. Repairs are being carried out urgently to restore the pipeline."

A KGDCL official clarified that the gas supply issue in Halishahar, Agrabad, and Khulshi is primarily due to the damaged pipeline. 

In other areas, the problem stems from the closure of the floating LNG unit in Maheshkhali, which caused low pressure in some isolated locations. However, the official assured that it was not a large-scale issue, and they expect no significant disruption.

Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Resources Corporation (Petrobangla) confirmed that the LNG supply from the Maheshkhali FSRU, operated by Accelerate Energy, would remain suspended till noon today for repair and maintenance. 

KGDCL emphasised that Chittagong's gas supply is entirely reliant on the floating LNG terminal in Maheshkhali. While the city's regular demand is between 320 and 350 million cubic feet per day, the temporary closure of two fertiliser factories, Chittagong Urea Fertilizer Limited and Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company, has reduced the demand to around 250 million cubic feet.

Currently, the operational unit of the LNG terminal is supplying approximately 220 million cubic feet of gas.