Problems and Prospects of LNG Terminal at Maheshkhali Island in Bangladesh

Abstract

The main source of fuel & energy in Bangladesh is mainly natural gas and imported petroleum. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) could be the alternative energy to mitigate the recent fuel and energy crisis. The main theme of the present study is to assess the problems, prospects, and socio-economic role of LNG terminals in the fuel and energy sector in Bangladesh. Primary and secondary data sources are integrated to achieve the study's findings. Primary data was collected through direct field observation survey, questionnaire survey, focus group discussion (FGD), and expert opinion survey. To conduct the questionnaire survey, around 400 respondents were selected randomly from the study area during the months of November 2020 to October 2021. The problems regarding LNG import and operation by the LNG terminal are identified through the present study respectively; Unstable market price (26%), Corruption (17%), Proper legislation (16%), High tariff (16%), System loss (14%), and Governance and distribution (11%). There are several prospects are also found to mitigate gas scarcity in Bangladesh. The findings of the correlation matrix also demonstrated that a positive significant relationship is sustained between the LNG-oriented activities and socio-economic parameters for the study area.

 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci. Vol. 11 (1 & 2): 61-74, 2023