FSRU Restoration at Final Stage; Transmission Resuming Thursday Afternoon; Addresses Power Tariff Allegations and Diesel Imports
Gas Supply Crisis to Normalize Within 2–3 Days: Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku
Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has stated that it will take two to three days for the country's ongoing gas supply shortage to return to normal. Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Thursday, August 6, he confirmed that the re-commissioning of a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) is near completion, which will enable power plants to resume operations progressively.
Dhaka, August 6, 2026: It will take at least two to three days to fully overcome the ongoing nationwide gas supply crisis and restore normal operations, stated Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku.
Speaking to journalists in the corridors of the Secretariat on Thursday (August 6), the Minister revealed that repair works on one of the Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRUs) are in their final stages. "Once operational, gas transmission will commence from Thursday afternoon. Pressure across the pipeline grid will build up gradually, requiring a minimum of two to three days for total restoration," Tuku explained.
Acknowledging that load-shedding has spiked due to gas shortages at several power generation plants, the Minister assured that closed power stations will be brought back online as fuel flow stabilizes, directly alleviating power disruptions. He reiterated that the unforeseen disruption stemmed from issues beyond immediate control, though the ministry is working at full capacity to resolve it.
Addressing public complaints regarding inflated electricity bills, Tuku dismissed most claims as unsubstantiated upon physical verification. Illustrating an instance, he noted, "A consumer complained about receiving a BDT 7,000 bill, but an inspection revealed the household regularly operated two air conditioners, a refrigerator, and multiple appliances—making the billed amount perfectly proportionate."
Regarding his recent meeting with the Indian High Commissioner, Tuku described it as a routine diplomatic engagement. He shared that Bangladesh has requested an increased volume of diesel supplies through the existing cross-border pipeline network. However, when asked for comments regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Minister declined to comment.
//DBTech/BNN/SME//
