Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations across Dhaka experienced severe operational disruption as low gas pressure and irregular supply led to long queues, extended waiting times, and mounting public frustration.
Drivers reported waiting for hours at filling stations, particularly in areas such as Mirpur, where queues stretched for long distances over the past week. Many said they were unable to refuel despite spending several hours in line due to insufficient gas pressure during daytime operations.
Station officials said supply pressure fluctuated significantly throughout the day, with lower pressure in the morning and partial improvement at night when demand increased.
“We are not receiving adequate pressure during the day. It sometimes drops to around 90–100 psi and improves slightly at night,” said Md. Naim, a station operator, adding that limited supply was preventing stations from meeting customer demand.
Drivers described repeated visits to stations and long waiting periods. Some said they had to join queues multiple times a day due to inconsistent supply levels.
“I have been waiting for three hours, but the pressure is too low. Sometimes only a few vehicles can be served before the supply drops again,” said one driver, adding that queue management remained difficult due to fluctuating gas availability.
Another driver, Md. Mohsin, said the situation had persisted for nearly two months, forcing him to spend most of the day waiting for refuelling instead of working.
Industry representatives said supply constraints in Dhaka and nearby industrial zones were worsening the situation, with operators struggling to manage demand amid inconsistent pressure levels.
“Pressure conditions are unstable across Dhaka and Gazipur. Even when supply arrives, it is not sufficient to meet demand,” said Farhan Noor, secretary general of a CNG filling station owners’ association, adding that repeated disruptions were affecting both operators and customers.
Residents in several areas, including Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Rampura, Banasree, Moghbazar and Old Dhaka, reported difficulties in accessing gas during normal hours.
Many households said cooking routines had shifted to late night hours when gas pressure temporarily improves. Some families have turned to electric stoves or LPG cylinders as alternatives due to unreliable supply.
“We don’t get gas in the morning. Pressure increases around midnight, so we are forced to cook late,” said Siddika Khatun, a resident of Mirpur.
Energy sector sources said total demand in the city stands at around 3,000 million cubic feet, while supply remains lower, contributing to persistent shortages and uneven distribution across the network.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
