The gas crisis in Dhaka is worsening, affecting households, CNG stations, hotels, and offices across the city. Winter has traditionally brought low gas pressure, but this year, pipeline damage and ongoing construction have compounded the problem.
Residents of most areas of Dhaka told Bangladesh Pratidin that they have been unable to cook for several days. Previously, stoves would burn weakly at night, but now many do not work at all. Shortages of LP cylinders, used as an alternative, have added to the crisis, forcing customers to crowd electronics stores to buy electric stoves. Hotels and office canteens are also struggling, leaving many people unable to eat properly, while vehicle owners face long lines at CNG stations, with some unable to get fuel even after hours of waiting.
Sajeeb Khan, a private firm official in Mohakhali, said, “I usually have lunch at the office canteen. But today, there was no cooking due to the gas shortage. I tried going out to eat at a restaurant, but they had no line gas either. I ended up eating bread and bananas.”
Titas Gas has attributed the shortage to water entering a damaged distribution pipeline under the Turag River in Amin Bazar during recent repairs. The low supply has caused a serious drop in gas pressure across the city. In addition, supply was disrupted yesterday in Uttara, Uttarkhan, and Dakshinkhan for 12 hours to allow construction of service lines in Abdullahpur, Uttara, Tongi, and Gazipur.
Titas officials said gas supply in Dhaka is currently far below demand. The city receives only about 1,500 million cubic feet daily, while demand is 2,400 million cubic feet. Demra received slightly more than half of its supply, and Amin Bazar received half. Priority is given to electricity, fertilizer production, and industries, leaving residential consumers with limited gas.
Engineer Kazi Mohammad Saidul Hasan, General Manager of the Operation Division at Titas, told Bangladesh Pratidin that 95% of the damaged pipeline under the Buriganga River has been repaired. A larger leak clamp is being installed to restore full service. “Gas supply has started, but pressure remains very low in Dhaka. We hope to increase pressure by next Friday and Saturday,” he said.
Meanwhile, long queues at CNG stations continue as drivers struggle to refuel their vehicles. Since the start of winter, gas pressure at stations has dropped sharply, leaving many unable to get gas despite waiting for hours.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
