Govt to seek Chinese aid for gas pipeline construction

The government plans to seek China's involvement in a pipeline construction project for importing gas. A memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to China on July 8.

During a press conference on Thursday (July 4), State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid announced the plans to establish eight parallel pipelines from Moheshkhali. He also noted that the government has approached the Chinese government for assistance in constructing these pipelines.

Currently, there are two terminals in operation for importing gas from Moheshkhali, each served by a pair of parallel pipelines.

To address the country's gas shortage, the government plans to construct two additional floating terminals in Moheshkhali by 2027. Concurrently, efforts are underway to boost gas exploration in shallow seas and on land.

The power department organized this press conference to address post-budget concerns. During the briefing, the state minister emphasized the department's intention to allocate funds towards ensuring a continuous supply of power.

Highlighting the extensive damage to the power sector caused by recent floods, the state minister stated, "We have incurred damage to 30,000 poles and all substations in the Sylhet region were submerged. We are prioritizing the restoration of the power distribution system to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to customers during storms and floods."

Nasrul Hamid mentioned that the power situation would see improvement within the next two to three days, pending the start of gas supply from a floating terminal by mid-month.

Regarding the tenders for sea oil and gas exploration, he indicated that their duration is being extended, though he did not specify the length of the extension.