The government has released Tk6,000 crore to boost electricity generation from oil-fi red power plants and clear outstanding dues to private power producers, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said.
The funds will be released in two instalments and mainly used to settle payments to private power producers, enabling them to purchase fuel and operate their plants more effi ciently.
The government plans to increase oil-fi red power generation by at least 5,000MW to reduce loadshedding and ease pressure on gas-fi red plants.
Offi cials estimate that returning oilfi red plants to full operation could add around 2,500MW to the national grid.
The initiative is also aimed at freeing up gas for industrial consumers by shifting more power generation to fuel oil.
Oilfi red generation currently costs around Tk120 crore a day, and fuel oil purchases will be increased to support higher output.