CNG filling stations likely to remain off for two more hours

CNG filling stations across the country will remain closed for two more hours a day from the present five hours in a bid to provide energy to industries. The Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) took the decision on 29, said a senior official. "Currently, gas production has shrunk and import from spot market also stopped due to high prices. If we can save 100mmcfd by stopping the supply of gas to CNG stations, the industry will not be suffered," said Md. Kamruzzaman, director of Petrobangla. He said the decision will be implemented after a meeting with the owners’ association of CNG filling stations. According to Petrobangla, from October-November shortage of gas will increase by 100 mmcfd which will hamper the production in the industries. Petrobangla officials think, if the CNG stations keep closed for two more hours, 110mmcfd gas will be saved which can be supplied to industries and homes. Currently, CNG filling stations remain closed from 6 pm to 11 pm. General Secretary of CNG Filling Stations Owners Association, Farhan Noor told Business Insider Bangladesh, “we are disappointed over the latest decision of Petrobangla”. "Petrobangla has called me in a meeting to finalise the decision. I will oppose the move as closure for two more hours will devastate our business," he said.