Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has stated that the state will not immediately halt its power supply to Bangladesh, despite the neighboring country owing Rs 200 crore for electricity supplied.
In an interview with PTI, CM Saha highlighted that Bangladesh’s outstanding dues continue to rise daily, but he expressed hope that the dues would be cleared to avoid any disruption in the power supply.
Under an agreement between the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) and the Bangladesh Power Development Board, facilitated by NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited, Tripura has been supplying 60-70 megawatts of power to Bangladesh. The power supply began in 2016 as part of a broader arrangement after essential machinery for Tripura’s power plants was brought through Bangladeshi territory, including the Chittagong port.
However, CM Saha acknowledged the uncertainty regarding the future of this arrangement if Bangladesh fails to settle its debts. “But I don’t know how long we will be able to continue the supply of electricity to Bangladesh if they don’t clear the dues,” he said.
The electricity supplied to Bangladesh is generated at the ONGC Tripura Power Company’s (OTPC) gas-based 726 MW power plant located in Palatana, southern Tripura. This arrangement has been crucial for both Tripura and Bangladesh, considering the proximity of the two regions. Tripura shares an 856 km border with Bangladesh, accounting for 84% of its total international border.
The situation mirrors similar issues faced by other suppliers, as reported in August, when Adani Power reduced its supply to Bangladesh from 1,400-1,500 MW to 520 MW due to an outstanding USD 800 million payment from Bangladesh.
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