The use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in the transport sector has not only reduced carbon emission but also is saving over $800 million worth of petroleum import annually, Petrobangla sources say.

However, rapid expansion of CNG delivery network in the last few years has significantly contributed to instability of gas supply pressure in many areas.

The country is walking the path of a perennial gas crisis where even the best possible situation of striking gas in the off-shore blocks will not give it a respite till 2020.

Faced with a deep energy crisis due to gas shortage that cannot be overcome overnight, the government considers importing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), increasing efficiency of bulk gas users to reduce demands and setting standards to promote energy efficient electrical equipment, says Dr Towfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, energy adviser to the prime minister.

The power ministry has decided in principle not to extend deadlines for four rental power projects totalling 155 MW capacity for their repeated failure to launch commercial operation and would ask the Power Development Board (PDB) to take action as per contracts.

As fund constraint stalls a vital donor-funded $189-million project to install three gas pipelines and compressors necessary to increase the country's gas supply, the energy ministry on Tuesday decided to reduce the number of pipelines and compressors down to two.