CNG filling stations to remain closed for six hours during Ramadan

CNG filling stations will remain closed for two more hours in Ramadan, which means a six-hour stoppage a day, aiming to boost supply to power plants.

The decision was taken at a meeting between ministries and government agencies, distribution agency, Petrobangla, FBCCI and Shop Owners Association on Thursday ahead of the month of fasting.

“The CNG stations will not operate between 5pm and 11pm,” said State Minister for Energy Nasrul Hamid following the meeting.

He urged the shop keepers, factories and markets to refrain from any unnecessary use of electricity during the period.

Unlike previous years, the state minister said he did not have much objection to lighting up buildings as the power generation was ‘sufficient still now’.

Power Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus said there was a restriction by labour and employment ministry on keeping shops open after 8pm during Ramadan.

“Burt we are not saying anything on the issue,” he added.

Petrobangla Chairman Abul Mansur Md Faizullah said the power plants were getting 950 million cubic feet gas every day.

He said it would be possible to supply 1,100mcft gas to the power plants once the imported liquefied natural gas or LNG is added to the national grid.

The state minister hinted at a lack of power in Old Dhaka as the Dhaka South City Corporation was yet to give them space to set up a sub-station.

The ministry also asked the distributors not to cut power supply during Iftar, Tarabi prayers and Sahri.