Gas crisis
Concerned authorities
are manifestly tackling
the gas debacle haphazardly. Realistic long-term
solutions are missing and crisis management is at
a chaotic state
Once again, acute gas crisis has gripped many parts of the capital city, severely hampering household chores and industrial production. According to a report of this newspaper, one of the 30-inch main pipelines used for supplying gas to Dhaka had been sporadically shut down over the last few days due to its maintenance causes.
The Perobangla and Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL) justified the shutting downs as an emergency measure, but the repercussions for such frequent blocking has hit the inhabitants of Dhaka hard. Not only could they not cook the regular meals on time, but also were forced to change cooking times due to low pressure in supply. Furthermore, the ongoing crisis is likely to last longer since there is no contingency plan to resume unimpeded supply.
In particular, supply in the localities of South Dhaka has been extremely low. The deficiency scenario in the countrys main port city of Chittagong is even worse. In less than two months, its the second time that the dwellers there are facing great trouble in the face of severe supply shortages. Many are reportedly forced to purchase food from shops; industrial production has been low and supplying gas as fuel to vehicles has been repeatedly disrupted. The current supply of gas in CTG has been recorded to be some 220-230 MMCFD (Millions of Cubic Feet per Day) against the demand of 500 MMCFD less than half. Noticeably, the crisis is now coupled with a shortfall in reserves.
In the light of such menacing realities, concerned authorities are manifestly tackling the gas debacle haphazardly. Strategies and back-up plans to resume supply gas through alternate lines are missing. Moreover, functions to manage the crisis have seemingly become chaotic. This cannot continue. Somewhat alarmingly, there is no immediate solution of way out from the ongoing crisis in these cities.
Needs of the hour are many. First, based on experts opinion and calculating current reserves the gas authorities must clearly define a supply limit in respective areas. Second, stand-in pipelines must be installed, so to lessen sole dependence on one line and use it in case of emergency supply - also old narrower pipes should be replaced. Third, cities and industrial areas must be characterized with a consumption ceiling so to control and supply as per a fixed demand. Four, fast track the scheme to introduce a cheaper alternative substance against our quickly exhausting gas reserves. And five, limit, monitor and control newer supply lines.
However, the authorities too, must end to counter the intensified gas crisis with short-term stopgap measures and resort to realistic long-term solutions before the sector collapses. The country is in dire need for quick, well-thought out and sincere counter measures.
