The gas crisis in Bangladesh, stemming from a fire at a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in Cox’s Bazar, is expected to continue for some time. The incident has led to a reduction in gas supply to below 2,150 million cubic feet per day, down from the usual 2,700 million cubic feet per day. This drop comes despite the country’s daily gas demand hovering around 3,800 million cubic feet.
Efforts are underway to repair the damage caused by the fire on July 21 at the FSRU, which damaged one of its boilers, necessitating a halt in operations. The repair work is ongoing, but it will take a while before the facility can resume normal operations. The impact of the gas supply reduction is most acutely felt in household kitchens, with gas pressure dropping significantly in many parts of Dhaka.
The dwindling gas supply has forced many low-income families to resort to makeshift clay stoves and firewood for cooking. Those who can afford it have switched to costly electric cookers or LPG cylinders, increasing their household expenses. Residents in various areas, including Mohammadpur, have expressed frustration through protests and social media posts due to the gas crisis.
The reduction in gas-fired electricity generation by approximately 1,500 megawatts has raised concerns about potential power cuts. Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC has indicated that low gas pressure will persist in Dhaka and nearby regions until the situation improves. The industrial sector in Bangladesh has also been hit by the gas crisis, affecting sectors like textiles, spinning, ceramics, and fertilizers, leading to operational challenges and threatening export competitiveness.
