Prospect of LPG in Bangladesh and it's contribution to national energy

Abstract

Total number of gas fields in Bangladesh since the discovery of the flfSt one in 1955, now stands at 22. Chatak gas field was the flfSt field in Bangladesh to come on production. It came on commercial production in 1960 to supply gas to the cement factory and the pulp and paper mill. Out of 22 gas fields, 12 fields are now in production. Natural gas contains methane (93.50% to 98%), ethane (0.21% to 3.65%), propane (0.05%to 1.1%), butane (0.01 % to 1.52%),etc. LPG is a mixture of propane and butane or its individuals. Most of the LPG in the natural gas now is not separated but left behind. Only 5000 MT of LPG per annum is being produced from natural gas of Kailashtilla gas field by Kailashtilla LPG Plant, which has come into production in 1998. Gas production data of different producing fields, gas reserve, gas composition, present gas consumption trend, gas demand and production forecast have been discussed. Existing gas processing systems and LPG development have been evaluated. LPG reserve has been estimated and future gas processing system has been suggested for augmenting its production. Properties and different type of use of LPG have been discussed. Since government has given priorities to use LPG in domestic sector, only domestic sector has been considered in order to estimate LPG demand. Its use in domestic sector can help reduce the dependence on imported kerosene and deforestation. Market analysis shows that LPG has excellent economic benefits over fuel wood and kerosene. Finally, various effects relating to the extraction of LPG from natural gas have been discussed.