The ongoing gas crisis has reached alarming proportions, affecting households and industries.
As residents across the capital express their frustration over the lack of reliable gas supply, it is clear that the situation is not merely an inconvenience; it is a pressing issue that threatens the very fabric of daily life and economic stability.
Reports from the city’s Mirpur, Bangshal, and other areas reveal a grim reality: families struggle to cook meals, with many resorting to purchasing food from local eateries due to the unreliable gas supply.
The plight of homemakers who must stay up late to prepare meals only to face the risk of gas cutting out mid-cooking underscores the personal toll of this crisis.
For lower-income families, shifting to electric stoves or alternative fuels is not a viable option, further exacerbating their struggles.
The industrial sector is equally hard-hit. The textile industry, a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s economy, has reported a staggering 30 per cent decline in production due to inadequate gas pressure.
With many factories operating at a fraction of their capacity, the implications for export earnings and job security are dire.
The Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector, along with steel and ceramic manufacturers, faces similar challenges, raising concerns about the long-term viability of these industries.
Petrobangla has attributed the crisis to the temporary suspension of operations at a floating storage and regasification unit, but this explanation does little to alleviate the immediate suffering of citizens and businesses.
While assurances of improved gas supply are welcome, the reality is that the country remains significantly short of its gas needs. With a national demand of 2,900 million cubic feet per day, the current supply of 1,000-1,100 mmcfd is woefully inadequate.
As the government seeks long-term solutions, it must also address the urgent needs of its citizens. The authority must expedite the arrival of LNG shipments and invest in sustainable energy solutions to prevent future crises.
In this critical moment, the voices of the people must be heard. The gas crisis is not just a technical issue; it is a humanitarian one that demands immediate and effective intervention.
The resilience of the Bangladeshi people is commendable, but it should not be tested further. The government must rise to the issue and restore hope to its citizens.
