Bangladesh shuts gas-based power plants

Production at all the three gas-fired state-owned power plants in Chittagong City has remained suspended due to an acute gas crisis.

With a combined capacity of 630 megawatts, the suspension worsened power outages in the southeastern region.

Power Development Board ources said the persisting power crisis is causing immense sufferings to its about 590,000 clients in the vast areas of Chittagong, Cox's Bazaar and three hill districts of Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban.

The 10 power plants of Chittagong, including the three gas-based ones – 420 MW Raozan Thermal Power Plant, Shikalbaha 60MW Power Plant and Shikalbaha 150MW Peaking Power Plant – have an aggregate power generation capacity of 1,297 megawatts.

The remaining power plants which are now in operation are generating around 500MW power, far below the 700MW demand.

The official said the daily power outage in Chittagong was 160 to 170 megawatts.

Managing Director of Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited Jameel A Aleem said they are supplying gas to Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited and Chittagong Urea Fertilizer Limited for fertiliser production keeping supply to power plants suspended as per a government decision.

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