Bangladesh government has decided to keep CNG filling stations shut for six hours from 3pm every day to ensure nonstop power supply for Boro irrigation.
Power and energy secretary Abul Kalam Azad said the partial closure would remain effective for two months from Wednesday.
The energy ministry took the decision at a meeting on how to ensure uninterrupted power supply for irrigation during the Boro season.
“The status of irrigation is currently at a good state. Power supply would be increased if any area requires more irrigation,” secretary Azad told reporters.
Industries have also been asked to keep their production shut from 6pm to 6am to help ensure uninterrupted power supply to the villages.
Managing director of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Ltd Abul Aziz Khan who attended the meeting said the fresh decision would see 35million cubic feet of gas added for power generation every day.
Earlier, all the 535 CNG stations across the country remained closed from 5pm to 9pm every day.
He also said Ghorasal and Polash fertiliser factories would remain closed on Wednesday to secure 6000 MW power for ensuring uninterrupted supply across the country to enable the people to watch the Asia Cup final. Bangladesh reached their first-ever Asia cup final by beating Sri Lanka in a tense tie on Tuesday.
Prime minister’s energy adviser Tawfik-e-Elahi Chowhdury said before the meeting that power supply would be ensured in irrigation areas between 11pm and 7am.
“The rest of us have to accept the decision as agriculture is our priority. The country will experience a power shortage of 800mw to 1000mw during the period,” said Chowdhury.
Representatives from Rural Electrification Board, Power Development Board, Dhaka Electric Supply Authority, Dhaka Electric Supply Company, Petrobangla and other relevant departments also attended the meeting
Source: energy bangla.com
