Within the next two to three months, 80 million cubic feet of gas will be shipped from the Bhola gas field and added to the national grid, said Prime Minister's Energy Adviser Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi.

"Within the next two to three months, 80 million cubic feet of gas will be shipped from the Bhola gas field and added to the national grid," Tawfiq-e-Elahi said speaking at the event "Mitigation of the Impact of Energy Crisis on the Industrial Sector" organised by Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) on Sunday (23 October).

He said this in response to the demands of businessmen in favor of importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the spot market even at increased prices. 

The gas would be transported in compressed natural gas (CNG) form, he added. 

"If we import 200 MMcf of gas for the next six months at the current spot market rate, it will cost about $1.2 billion more than long-term LNG. But the government is not in a position to invest this amount," he said.

"None of us know the direction the world situation will go. So everyone should be prepared," Tawfiq-e-Elahi added. 

He also said that some coal-based power plants will come into production by next December.

"Then we can reduce gas supply for electricity generation and give some gas to the industries. If the situation does not improve after this, then we will have to move to abstain from using any electricity during the day if necessary," PM's energy adviser further said.