Country's power sector is reportedly to face a serious challenge during the holy month of Ramadan and upcoming Boro season as dollar and fuel crisis continues to pound the sector with damaging effects.Power production in the weeks ahead is likely to be slashed by as much as 3,000 to 4,000 Megawatts.
However, in order to tackle the looming dilemma, the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Division is conducting regular meetings with the Finance Ministry, BPDB, Petrobangla, Independent power producers, power exporters, LNG suppliers, long-term and spot sellers on the critical condition of purchase issues. Moreover, arrears of power producers' and power exporters are also expected to play a key role in power production in the coming days.
As the country falls short of sufficient primary fuel for power production, we believe one option may well be to procure it from abroad - whether it is liquid fuel, LNG or coal. And if importers fail to open LC for procuring fuel by mid-February, an imminent disaster is knocking at our door, since it requiresbetween 30 to 45 days to off-load imported goods, thus the Interim Government must take an immediate step in this regard.
Needs be mentioned, it is widely anticipated that this year country's peak electricity demand would likely reach as high as 18,232 MW. Understandably, BPDB urged the Petrobangla to ensure 1,400 MMCF gas to run their power plants. It also plans to get 4,000 to 5,000 MW electricity from coal and another 4,000 MW from liquid fuel.
The sad reality, however, Petrobangla authority has already admitted its incapability to supply 1,400 MMCF gas per day to the power sector. At best the quantity would be roughly between 1,100 to 1,200.So there would be a clear gas deficit while we read the clear writings on the wall.
In full agreement with Bangladesh Independent Power Producers Association (BIPPA) President David Hasanat, we urge the authority concern, otherwise BPDB to clearall outstanding payments the quickest and ensure all future bills are paid on time, so to maintain discipline forfast issuing LCs for suppliers. This would at least ensure to keep power plants operational until next coal shipment arrives.
Power cut in Ramadan is the last thing we expect to witness. Moreover, lest we forget a possible power shortage would also directly affect irrigation in the upcoming Boro season by triggering lesser crop output and increased inflation.
In conclusion,we believe the government by now is well-informed on the ground reality, and what actions to take. A binge of experts' opinions to solutions all lay on the table. It is time to act.
We are worried.
