The gas crisis in the industrial sector has deepened, forcing many factories to scale back operations, with some shutting down intermittently. Textile sector leaders allege that the government has failed to act on earlier assurances to stabilise supply.
They warn that if the situation persists, up to half of textile factories could close within months. Export earnings have already declined for six consecutive months this year.
According to the Export Promotion Bureau, export earnings in the July-January period of fiscal year 2025-26 fell by 1.93 per cent to $28.41 billion, down from $28.97 billion in the same period of FY2024-25.
In Narayanganj, Dhamrai, Manikganj, Savar and Gazipur-key hubs for export-oriented industries-gas pressure has at times dropped to near zero, severely disrupting production.
Around 400 gas-dependent factories, mainly in the textile, ceramic and steel sectors, are operating well below capacity. Entrepreneurs say they continue to pay bills based on approved gas loads of 7 to 15 pounds per square inch (PSI), but actual pressure often falls far below those levels.
A few months ago, the ready-made garment sector saw a surge in export orders. However, declining gas pressure in several industrial zones has since disrupted production. Many factories are forced to halt operations for several hours a day, raising concerns about timely shipment of export orders.
Industry leaders caution that while foreign buyers still have confidence in Bangladeshi manufacturers, delays in delivery could reduce future orders and cause significant losses to the sector.
Leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) say production has dropped by 15 to 20 per cent due to low gas pressure and have urged authorities to restore normal fuel supply.
Saleud Zaman Khan, chairman of NZ Tex Group and vice-president of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), said his factory produces 120 tonnes of yarn and 200,000 metres each of dyed and finished fabric daily. Although 10 PSI is required, only 4 to 5 PSI is currently available, reducing output.
He said gas supply problems persist in Rupganj and Narayanganj, adding that uninterrupted supply is essential for industrial operations. He urged Titas and Petrobangla to engage with the government to resolve the crisis.
After dwindling for two weeks, gas supply reportedly dropped to zero in some areas on February 16, forcing factories to shut for up to 12 hours. "If my factory remains closed for a day, production worth about Tk 5 crore is halted," he said.
Titas Gas, the state-owned distributor, attributed the shortage to repair work at one of the two floating LNG terminals in Maheshkhali, Cox's Bazar. Daily demand stands at around 4,200 million cubic feet (mmcfd). On February 16, supply fell to 2,250 mmcfd, leaving a deficit of 1,950 mmcfd.
Titas Gas General Manager (Operations) Engineer Kazi Mohammad Saidul Hasan said supply remains below demand. When demand is high and supply low, pressure cannot be increased through line-pack storage. Pressure usually improves during holidays or factory closures when demand falls.
According to Petrobangla and Titas sources, the two LNG terminals have a combined capacity of 1,100 mmcfd. When fully operational, they add an average of 800 mmcfd to the grid daily. Currently, that figure has dropped to just over 500 mmcfd due to maintenance work.
Petrobangla estimates normal daily supply at 2,800 to 3,000 mmcfd against demand of 4,200 mmcfd. On February 15, supply fell to 2,250 mmcfd, widening the deficit.
The crisis comes despite two gas price hikes in recent years-179 per cent in February 2023 and another 33 per cent in April 2025-both accompanied by assurances of uninterrupted supply.
Factory owners say supply has instead deteriorated.
Shovon Islam, managing director of Sparrow Apparels in Gazipur and former BGMEA director, said, "Gas prices have increased despite our objections, but supply has not improved. Some days we receive gas for only two hours. The situation has worsened since Monday."
Md Azhar Khan, chairman of Mithela Textile Industries in Araihazar, Narayanganj, said his factory's approved pressure is 15 PSI but has remained near zero for the past five months. "Such a situation is unbearable for any industrial sector," he said.
Industry experts say at least 7 PSI is required to keep machinery running smoothly. Currently, pressure fluctuates between 1 and 2.5 PSI, which is inadequate.
As a stopgap measure, some factories are purchasing CNG and generating electricity by burning rice husks to sustain operations.
