Gas shortage

The country's overwhelming dependence on natural gas as fuel has backfired. Now the gap between demand and supply is widening. Massive conversion of liquid fuel-run automobile engines into ones run on compressed natural gas (CNG) together with establishment of factories and industries, including power plants and those of fertiliser, fed with gas has put an ever increasing pressure on this only recognisable fuel source of Bangladesh. The result today is more than disconcerting. Both households and industries are running short of gas because it is drying up both at sources and in its distribution lines. Responsible for this is a myth that the country is floating on natural gas as well as indiscreet use of the available amount. The Tangratila gas field blow-out and wrong handling of other gas fields by inept foreign gas exploration companies exacerbated the situation. All this could be avoided if an energy policy could be put in place detailing the country's need for energy and its availability on the basis of domestic sources and imported ones.

This, unfortunately, was not the case when the reserves of this prized natural resource were first struck. Now the country is paying for the wrong policies. It might be required to pay even more if the country cannot go for alternative sources of energy soon. Now pressure of gas dies down in households, factories and industries located in several areas of the capital city, soon other areas not only of the city but also elsewhere will face this problem with demand shooting up and supply dropping further. No new on-shore gas field could be found although advanced technological readjustment has made it possible to improve production of a few existing gas fields. The authorities have gone for such measures under compulsion. But it is still turning a blind eye to the need for regulating the use of gas at the domestic and factory levels. While residents in several areas of the city cannot use their gas burners because of lack of supply of gas, the practice of switching the burners on continues. Had the gas been billed according to its use through introduction of meters, people would not have resorted to keeping the gas burners alight.

So, there is still room for improving the gas supply within limitation. The claim that chilly weather causes a drop in pressure is rather intriguing. What about gas supply from Siberia under sub-zero temperature? Technology is available to encounter problems like this. The example of introduction of advanced technology in order to improve extraction and supply is there at home. Underdevelopment is marked by putting the cart before the horse. Unless there has been an accident or loss, the authorities do not look for safe or remedial measures. Natural gas will not feed the nation eternally. Unless off-shore gas blocks are found to be producing gas, the country will face the most difficult choice soon enough. So, concerted efforts should be made to see if the gas deposit supposed to be lying under the Bay of Bengal seabed has an authentic basis. The other option is either to go for coal-based or renewable energy.