Bangladesh’s government sees no shortcut to easing the country’s gas and electricity crisis, officials said after a special meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met energy-sector ministers, junior ministers and oversight team members to discuss why the situation worsened suddenly and to consider short-, medium- and long-term responses. He expressed dissatisfaction over delays in repairs to floating terminals and the non-arrival of promised LNG cargoes.

Officials told the meeting that the crisis was not created in a day. They cited limited exploration of new gas fields over the past 18 years and growing import dependence. The government reported daily gas demand of 3,800 MMCFD, against supply of 2,195 MMCFD, leaving a 1,605 MMCFD deficit. Of the supply, 1,625 MMCFD came from domestic sources and 570 MMCFD from imported LNG.

The prime minister directed agencies to raise domestic gas output, remove barriers to fuel imports and strengthen power-plant maintenance. About 7,000 MW of gas-based generating capacity was idle because of fuel shortages, out of nearly 12,000 MW. Energy officials said reducing import dependence and achieving a lasting normalization could take three to five years.