Industrial gas supply to improve from tomorrow evening: PM

Industrial gas supply is expected to return to the level seen about one and a half months ago from tomorrow evening, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Monday.

He also sought cooperation from business leaders and the media in implementing the government's plans for the power and energy sectors.

The prime minister made the remarks during a three-hour meeting with business leaders and media representatives at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat. His Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplou briefed reporters afterwards.

At the meeting, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit presented a paper titled *Challenges and Future Roadmap of Bangladesh's Power and Energy Sector*.

Tarique described the country's power and energy crisis as a problem inherited from the past, saying it could not be fully resolved within six months or a year. He said the government had identified the problems, prepared plans and was now working to implement them.

Explaining the current gas shortage, he said supply had been disrupted after an accident at one of the country's two floating LNG terminals. The problem caused by the accident has since been resolved, he said.

"We hope gas supply will return to the level of one to one and a half months ago from tomorrow evening," the prime minister said.

He also announced plans to set up a third floating LNG terminal to address the supply shortfall. Preparations for the terminal under a government-to-government arrangement have largely been completed over the past month, he said, adding that work would begin soon.

Tarique expressed hope that the third terminal could be connected to the supply system by December 2027.

He said the government had also set tentative deadlines for implementing its plans in the power and energy sectors, although some timelines could change.

Seeking support from the business community, the prime minister said disruptions to industries and businesses would affect the wider economy. Ensuring adequate and uninterrupted power and energy supply was therefore important not only for businesses but also for the country's economic progress.

He said the government aims to build a $1 trillion economy by 2034 and that reliable power and energy supplies would be essential to achieving the target.

Tarique urged businesses and the media not to create instability and to give the government an opportunity to implement its plans during its tenure.

He said the government had invited media representatives to explain its plans clearly and prevent confusion arising from fragmented information.

"If you think our plans are reasonable, please cooperate with us in implementing them," the prime minister said, adding that successful implementation would benefit the entire country.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials, business leaders and media representatives, including FBCCI administrator Fazlul Haque, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostaqur Rahman and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury.

sks