CHITTAGONG: The government is going to stop gas supply to Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company (KAFCO) anytime now, days after suspending the fuel supply to another fertilizer factory, for running power plants in full gear to tackle troubling electricity shortages in the country.

Petrobangla and the newly formed Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL) sent separate notices to the multinational fertilizer company, KAFCO, Wednesday prior to switching off gas line.

"If KAFCO authority is agreed to close the company, the surplus gas would be supplied to Rawjan Thermal Power Station," said an official.
 
The initiative was taken as part of government decision on closing gas-guzzling industries for diverting more gas to the power stations during the month of Ramadan.

Under the rationing plan to make do with the limited fuel, the government earlier suspended gas supply to Chittagong Urea Fertilizer Company limited.   

KGDCL Managing Director Engineer Mohammad Sanwar Hossain said, "We have sent the notice to KAFCO following the government decision."

"We hope KAFCO would be closed within Thursday," he added.   

He also informed that they would be able to supply more 42 million cubic feet of gas to the Rawjan Thermal Power Station.
 
PDB sources said the No. 1 unit of the 210-MW Rawjan Thermal Power Station, 150-MW Shikalbaha Peaking Power Plant and 60-MW Shikalbaha Power Station are now out of operation for lack of gas supply.

BDST: 2017 HRS, AUGUST 12, 2010