Gas shortage disrupts daily life, industry in CTG

A severe gas shortage has disrupted household cooking, industrial production, transport and power generation in Chattogram, with consumers facing prolonged outages and businesses reporting major losses.

According to Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL), the city’s daily demand is around 350 million cubic feet of gas, but supplies have fallen well below that level since the beginning of August, worsening the crisis.

Low gas pressure has left many households unable to cook during regular hours, while long queues have formed at CNG filling stations as drivers struggle to refuel. Many industries have also reduced production because of inadequate gas supplies.

Business leaders say export-oriented factories, including steel, textile and food processing plants, have been forced to cut output, affecting production schedules and export commitments. Reduced gas supply has also lowered electricity generation, leading to increased load shedding across the city.

Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Amirul Haque urged the government to restore gas supplies quickly, warning that prolonged disruptions could affect both the local and national economy.

The crisis intensified after a fire and technical fault at the floating LNG terminal in Maheshkhali on July 21 significantly reduced gas supply to the national grid. KGDCL officials said gas is being distributed on a limited basis while repairs continue.

According to Energy and Mineral Resources Division sources, the damaged LNG terminal is expected to resume operations by August 10, meaning the gas shortage is likely to persist until then.