Industries near Dhaka’s northern outskirts are facing gas shortages after Intraco Refuelling Station halted the supply of compressed natural gas (CNG) from Bhola island, having failed to provide a Tk 110 million bank guarantee by the government-set deadline. Intraco had been supplying only 1.0-1.5 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of gas to consumers, far below its committed 5.0 mmcfd. The company secured the project under the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply Act 2010 (Amended 2021), without a competitive tender. It was buying gas at Tk 17 per Mcf and selling it to industries at Tk 47.60 per Mcf, 58.66% higher than the regular industrial tariff of Tk 30 per Mcf. Other companies offered to supply gas at Tk 37 per Mcf, but Intraco was awarded the contract. The shutdown affects gas-starved areas like Gazipur, where pipeline pressure is low. Bhola’s gas fields produce around 80 mmcfd, though 120 mmcfd remains untapped due to low demand. Despite concerns about the deal, no comment was available from Intraco or Petrobangla.
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