Residents block Dhaka-Aricha highway over gas shortage

Residents blocked the Dhaka-Aricha Highway in Dhamrai on Monday, demanding an adequate supply of residential gas, before lifting the blockade after local authorities assured them the issue would be addressed.

The protest began around 9:30 am in the Kalampur area, bringing traffic to a standstill for several hours and leaving thousands of commuters stranded on both sides of the highway.

Demonstrators said households in Goaldi, Batulia, Mahishashi, Kawalipara and parts of Saturia have been suffering from an acute gas shortage for nearly two years despite having legal residential connections.

They alleged that gas pressure remains so low that cooking has become nearly impossible, forcing many families to rely on LPG cylinders, firewood and other alternative fuels while continuing to pay regular gas bills.

In a written complaint to Titas Gas, residents said the area receives gas through the District Regulating Station (DRS) near Kalampur bus stand, but insufficient pressure has left consumers without a reliable supply.

They also alleged that a nearby re-rolling mill and a ceramic factory were using illegal booster pumps to draw excessive amounts of gas, further reducing pressure for residential users. The companies had not responded to the allegations at the time of reporting.

The protesters demanded that gas bills be waived until normal supply is restored and that gas meters be installed so customers are charged based on actual consumption.

"We couldn‍‍`t cook in the morning or even have breakfast. We just want a proper gas supply, and the bills for the period we didn‍‍`t receive gas should be waived," said local resident Sultana Begum.

The blockade caused kilometres-long traffic congestion, with many commuters expressing frustration over the disruption.

Following the protest, Dhamrai Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Al Mamun visited the site and assured residents that the administration would raise the issue with Titas Gas authorities.

The protesters withdrew the blockade around noon after receiving the assurance.