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A key floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal operated by US-based Excelerate Energy will suspend regasified fuel supply for 48 hours from February 23 to February 25 to carry out urgent maintenance after a technical fault developed in one of its core systems.
The shutdown of the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), moored off the coast of Moheshkhali, is expected to disrupt around 150 mmcfd (million cubic feet per day) of gas supply to the national grid during the closure period.
It may add pressure to the energy system, which is already facing shortages at a time when the holy month of Ramadan continues.
A source at the Energy and Mineral Resources Division on Saturday said the terminal required repairs following what was described as a "rope-related technical difficulty", detected during a previous maintenance inspection by the company.
Maintenance work is scheduled to begin early on February 23 and continue through February 25, during which no regasified LNG will be injected into the national transmission network.
An energy ministry official confirmed the planned shutdown but declined to provide further details.
"We will issue a press statement on Sunday or Monday on the issue," the official said, requesting anonymity.
Energy officials said contingency measures were being considered to manage supply shortfalls, particularly for gas-fired power plants and industrial consumers already operating under tight fuel availability.
Bangladesh relies heavily on imported LNG to supplement declining domestic gas production, making the offshore terminal a critical component of the country's energy infrastructure.
Any interruption in its operations can have an immediate impact on electricity generation and large-scale manufacturing.
When contacted by phone, Habibur Rahman Bhuyan, country manager for Excelerate Energy Bangladesh, did not respond to the matter and provide a comment.
Industry insiders said the temporary suspension could tighten gas supply in the coming days and might force some gas-fired power plants to scale back output.
As of late 2024, Excelerate Energy had become a major player in Bangladesh's energy sector, supplying about 34 per cent of the country's daily gas demand through its two offshore FSRUs at Moheshkhali.
Bangladesh now has two FSRUs - Excelerate Energy Bangladesh and Summit LNG.
Both are located at Moheshkhali in Cox's Bazar and have 1100 mmcfd capacity.
However, their operational capacities remain much lower.
jasimharoon@yahoo.com