Gas crisis persists, households suffer

There are no signs of relief from the ongoing energy crisis in Bangladesh, as pressure in pipeline gas supplies remains extremely low.

Gas supply in the capital has been severely disrupted following the explosion of a valve in a distribution line and damage to a gas pipeline beneath the Turag River.

At the same time, households across the country are facing growing hardship due to a shortage of LPG and abnormal price hikes.
Ria Akter, a homemaker in Rampura, said that gas has been unavailable during the daytime for several days, forcing her to cook late at night when a small amount of gas becomes available.

Farhan Islam, a private-sector employee in Mirpur, said he was compelled to buy an induction stove due to the shortage, creating new concerns over rising electricity bills.

Titas Gas authorities said that although repair work on the damaged lines is underway, it will take time for the entire network to return to normal. The crisis is also severe outside Dhaka.

In Kishoreganj, gas pressure has remained very low for nearly two years, doubling cooking time. Consumers are paying regular gas bills while also having to buy cylinders.

Amid the gas crisis, sales of electric stoves have surged. Demand for induction and infrared stoves in various parts of the capital is far higher than usual, with sellers reporting that some models sell out within days.