LNG imports resume, factories to get more gas
Staff Reporter :
Adviser to the Ministry of Energy, Power and Mineral Resources, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, announced on Saturday that gas supply to industrial units across the country will increase immediately, with improvements expected to be noticeable soon.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting energy conditions at various industrial sites in Ashulia, Savar, the adviser said the recent delay in boosting supply was caused by rough seas, which had temporarily
disrupted LNG unloading from vessels.
“Gas supply would have increased two to three days ago, but due to adverse weather, unloading was delayed. The situation is expected to improve starting today,” he said.
He noted that gas supply has already increased by 50 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd), with a further rise of 100 to 150 mmcfd expected in the coming days. “We are working to resolve the shortage, and four additional LNG cargoes are being imported to ease the crisis,” he added.
Khan acknowledged concerns raised by industrialists, stating, “Our inspections confirmed that many of the complaints from factory owners are valid. We are addressing these issues urgently.”
During his visit to Towel Tex Limited in Chandra, Kaliakair, the adviser told factory management, “I have seen the situation for myself. Please update me this evening if you observe any change.”
His remarks followed strong criticism from industry leaders over the ongoing energy and power shortages. Showkat Aziz Russell, President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and Chairman of Amber Group, recently compared the current state of industry to a national tragedy, saying, “In 1971 we lost intellectuals; now in 2025, industrialists and factories are being destroyed in a similar way.”
In response to such statements, state-run Petrobangla clarified that industrial gas supply has actually increased by 21% in the January-April period of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
The average daily supply currently stands at 997 mmcfd, up from 823 mmcfd in 2024.
While visiting factories in Kaliakair, Sreepur, and Tongi, the adviser revealed the discovery of multiple illegal gas connections.
“Action is already being taken against Titas Gas officials involved in these unauthorised connections,” he said.
“A large-scale operation will soon be launched to disconnect illegal lines and bring those responsible to justice.”
Shahadat Hossain Sohel, Director of Towel Tex Limited, said the gas crisis had intensified in recent weeks.
“We are not asking for a 24-hour supply, but we do need at least eight hours of stable gas to keep our operations running. The disruption is affecting production and increasing costs,” he said.
Commenting on the ongoing protest by Palli Bidyut Samity officials, Khan said a meeting is scheduled for 1 June to address the dispute between the Samity and the Rural Electrification Board (REB).
“A committee led by the Vice Chancellor of BRAC University has been formed and will submit its final report tomorrow. Appropriate action will follow,” he added.
He urged restraint among protestors, warning that demonstrations would not help resolve the crisis. “We are actively working on solutions. Recently, 26-27 power lines were deliberately disconnected in an act of sabotage, which required immediate government intervention,” he said.
Explaining the purpose of Saturday’s inspections, the adviser stated, “We are here to assess the gas and power supply situation in industrial zones first-hand. We started with BEPZA and will continue inspections across Chandra, Mirzapur, Kaliakair, Bhaluka, and Tongi.”
The adviser also visited the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) in coordination with the Dhaka Palli Bidyut Samity to monitor power supply and industrial operations.