Chief Adviser (CA) Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to immediately find out a short-term solution to gas and electricity problem, as both are in short supply, reports UNB.
He stressed enhancing the volume of gas lifting from Bibiana gas-field as a quick-fix remedy for the crunch.
The head of the caretaker government made the directive in the light of discussions and suggestions at an informal meeting of the Council of Advisers.
A presentation was made to apprise the council of the latest gas and electricity situation at the meeting.
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Power and Energy Ministry Prof M Tamim made the power-point presentation that showed that now there is 200-mmcfd shortage of gas while the total production of the fossil fuel is 1800 mmcfd against a total demand for 2000 mmcfd.
"This gas shortage is due to the limitation of gas production and transmission," it was informed.
On the other side of the two-pronged problem, it was noted that there is the capability of generating 500 MW more electricity but it cannot be done due to the gas shortages.
The meeting was told that the number of CNG filling stations has risen to 229 from only 18 in last four years, which helps in preventing rise in the use of fuel oils.
The CA asked for identifying the bottlenecks in solving the gas and electricity problems, round-the-clock close monitoring by a team and strong coordination between Power and Energy divisions.
He also stressed immediate solution to power problem in Chittagong through installing rental power plants and non-gas-based power plants as well.
As an austerity measure, the CA suggested starting right now to limit consumption of energy--and "that should start first from government offices". The CA's office comes first under the energy-saving measure.
Tapping alternative sources of energy, like coal and solar energy, for a long-term solution also came up for discussion at the meeting.
CA's press secretary Syed Fahim Munaim briefed newsmen about the meeting.
Members of the council of advisers attended the meeting at the CA's office. Cabinet Secretary and secretaries concerned were also present.
