Despite government assurances that gas supply would improve by mid-July after repairs to a damaged floating storage regasification unit (FSRU), entrepreneurs report that the situation remains unchanged as of October. Industries in Bangladesh, particularly textile mills, have been suffering from severe gas shortages for nearly two years, which has significantly impacted production and profitability.
For instance, Israq Spinning Mills, one of the largest textile mills, reports that gas pressure has dropped to near zero during peak hours, reducing its production capacity from 160 tons per day to just 60 tons. This gas shortage is causing significant financial losses, with other mills like Intimate Spinning Mills and Little Star Spinning Mills also experiencing similar issues.
Industry-wide, approximately 700 gas-based factories are facing similar crises. The problem peaked in May 2024 after Cyclone Remal damaged an FSRU. Although the government promised an improvement in gas supply by mid-July, entrepreneurs say the situation has not improved by October.
Petrobangla officials acknowledge a shortfall, with daily gas demand at 3,800-4,000 million standard cubic feet per day (mmcfd), while supply stands at 2,700 mmcfd. However, they expect the supply to increase slightly after October 15, following the arrival of liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchased from the spot market.
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