"The dollar crisis in the fuel sector is over"
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Photo: Collected
It is important to ensure versatility of fuel source or mix. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Electricity, Energy and Mineral Resources Dr. Towfiq –e- Ilahi Chowdhury commented that if there is a collision on one side, we can go to the other side.
He made this comment in a virtual seminar organized on the occasion of National Energy Security Day on Wednesday (August 9).
On August 9, 1975, Bangabandhu bought Titas (Brahmanbaria), Bakhrabad (Comilla), Habiganj, Rashidpur and Kailashtila (Habiganj) gas fields. 29 percent gas supply is still available from those 5 gas fields. Since 2009, the government has been celebrating 9th August as National Energy Security Day to commemorate the outstanding contribution of Bangabandhu.
He also said that we have to keep alternative time for the plan we will take. There must be responsible use of energy, we need behavioral change and money in pocket cannot be wasted. When using water in agriculture, if you use less water, you will save electricity and energy. Water reserves will be ensured for the future.
He said that Bangladesh had no hand in the current energy crisis. Energy and food involve geopolitical issues. Due to the war in Ukraine, the prices of all products including fuel, fertilizers have increased. 8 billion dollars took it like a robbery. It has to be redecorated; Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is doing that work. We will build a civilized and developed humane country.
In response to someone's speech in the seminar, the Advisor said, "I don't understand much about geology." But nothing can be said until the well is dug and gas is found. Those who commented that 2-3 TCF can be found, it is fine for class room, but common people will be confused, they will think that gas can be found only by drilling wells.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Wasika Ayesha Khan MP said that the economic value of the 5 gas fields that Bangabandhu bought is very high. Bangabandhu has ensured the energy security of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized on regional cooperation in energy security.
Senior Secretary of Power Division Habibur Rahman said that food security should be emphasized in war-torn Bangladesh. Bangabandhu included electricity as a fundamental right in the constitution. Few countries in the world have recognized electricity as a fundamental right.
He said that the draft of the integrated master plan is ready. It emphasizes three particular points, the first is the diversification of primary fuels, the more sources we can go to, the more security we can ensure. Emphasis is on increasing the use of clean energy. Plans have been taken to generate as much solar power as possible while saving agricultural land. Emphasis is placed on reducing the use of fossil fuel dependent fuels and ensuring efficient use of fuel.
Secretary of the Division of Energy and Mineral Resources Md. Khairuzzaman Maumdar in the president's speech said that there are many news about the dollar crisis in the media. The dollar crisis in the energy sector is over. 80 to 90 million dollars are being discounted every week. The dues will be paid within a week or two.
ABM Azad, chairman of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), said that if BPC does its work in a scientific way, it will save some money. Now there is a stockpile capacity of 1.3 lakh tonnes, another 3 lakhs is in progress to increase the stockpile capacity. These will ensure 60 days of stock which is considered safe stock.
Chairman of Petrobangla Janendra Nath Sarkar said that Bangabandhu introduced PSC concept for oil and gas exploration. In his continuation, I got many successes including Bibiana. We are following the path shown by Bangabandhu in human resource development, oil and gas exploration and development. The government is working with the aim of building a continuous fuel oil supply network across the country. The country has today attained the status of a developing country due to the increase in energy supply, the main driving force of the economy. With the goal of transforming Bangladesh into a smart Bangladesh by 2041, a specific action plan has been adopted for domestic gas production as well as LNG import by preparing a demand and supply outline by 2041.
Mollah Amjad Hossain, editor of Energy and Power, said that there is no alternative to search on a comprehensive basis. Bangabandhu dreamed of creating Sonar Bangla by eradicating poverty. He made a living for the maximum use of domestic resources. Coal consumption is increasing in the world now, Bangladesh has huge coal reserves. A plan should be taken for this coal power generation. In terms of development, there is no shortage of fuel and electricity. This crisis needs to be resolved. The policy of Bangladesh is very good, but there are many shortcomings in implementation.
Professor Dr. Anwar Hossain Bhuiyan said that 24 exploration wells have been drilled since 2009, out of which 9 gas fields have been discovered. The amount of gas reserves in these cases is 2.3 TCF. The picture is very good, but could be better. It has so far discovered 176 Lead Prospects through Seismic Survey. Gas can be found by drilling wells.
