Dark shadow over the country due to gas crisis must be removed

BANGLADESH faces dire consequences as the gas crisis worsens amid government actions. The acute gas crisis has once again cast a dark shadow over the country, crippling the nation’s daily life and industrial sector.

This crisis has been primarily attributed to the government’s decision to reduce the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the international spot market for the past couple of months.

As a result, domestic users, industries, and the transport sector have borne the brunt of this distressing situation, and it’s our opinion that this crisis may worsen due to the government’s decision to continue reducing LNG imports amid budget constraints.

According to Petrobangla, the government is currently supplying approximately 2,600 million cubic feet a day (mmcfd) against a demand for over 4,000 mmcfd.

This is a substantial gap that has left citizens and businesses in a precarious situation.

The supply, which was around 3,000 mmcfd in July, dropped to approximately 2,800 mmcfd in August and September.

While it’s common for supply reductions in November-December as per the yearly plan, one of the two LNG regasification units will go for maintenance next month, further exacerbating the problem.

The impact of this gas crisis is being acutely felt by residents in areas like Mirpur, Banasree, and Old Dhaka, along with industries in Gazipur and Narayanganj, according to Titas, the gas distributor in Dhaka and adjacent areas. Those at the end of the network are suffering the most, as gas pressure dwindles.

The situation is dire for industries, such as the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association. They had foreign orders but are now anxious about their ability to fulfill them on time due to the gas shortage.

Businesspeople were assured of uninterrupted gas supply when gas prices were increased, but the reality is vastly different from these promises.

The current predicament demonstrates the consequences of relying on the spot market for gas imports, and it underscores the need for a more reliable and stable energy supply.

Long-term planning should take precedence, and the government must consider alternative sources of gas to prevent these recurring crises.