Millions of households in Dhaka and nearby districts are likely to face prolonged cooking difficulties as Bangladesh`s gas crisis shows little sign of easing following a fire at a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in Cox`s Bazar.
The disruption has pushed the country`s daily gas supply below 2,150 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd), down from the average 2,700 mmcfd maintained over the past year.
Bangladesh`s daily gas demand, however, remains close to 3,800 mmcfd, leaving a significant supply gap.
The crisis began after a fire broke out at the Excelerate Energy-operated FSRU at Moheshkhali on July 21, damaging one of the terminal`s two boilers and forcing the facility to suspend operations.
Repair work is underway, with technical experts from the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates joining local teams to restore the damaged infrastructure.
Petrobangla Public Relations Officer Tariqul Islam Khan said the repair work is progressing, but it will take more time before the terminal can resume supplying gas.
The supply shortage has hit residential consumers the hardest, with gas pressure dropping to almost zero in many parts of the capital.
Residents of Mohammadpur, Kalabagan, Kafrul, Kazipara, West Tejturi Bazar, Mirpur, Rampura and Badda said their stoves have remained unusable for several days due to extremely low gas pressure.
Many low-income families have started cooking on makeshift clay stoves using firewood, while others have switched to electric cookers or LPG cylinders, increasing household expenses.
The prolonged disruption has sparked protests in some neighbourhoods, including Mohammadpur, while many residents have expressed frustration over the crisis on social media.
The shortage has also affected power generation, transport and industries.
According to Petrobangla, gas-fired electricity production has dropped by around 1,500 megawatts, raising the risk of increased power outages across the country.
Long queues have been reported at CNG filling stations in Dhaka as motorists struggle to refuel, while many factories are experiencing lower production because of inadequate gas pressure.
Petrobangla has apologised to consumers for the disruption, saying engineers are working around the clock to restore operations at the damaged terminal.
Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC has also warned that low gas pressure across Dhaka and surrounding districts is expected to continue until the FSRU returns to service.
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