Gas crisis drives up electricity bills, food expenses

The prolonged gas crisis across Dhaka and other parts of the country is disrupting daily life, forcing many households to switch to electric cooking appliances and increasing both electricity bills and household expenses.

Residents of Banasree, Rampura, Badda, Mirpur, Uttara and other areas said low gas pressure or supply disruptions over the past week have made regular cooking difficult. Many families are relying on electric heaters, induction cookers and rice cookers, while others are buying meals from outside.

Electronics retailers said demand for electric and induction stoves has surged. A shopkeeper in Rampura said daily sales of electric and induction stoves have risen from four or five units to as many as 15 to 20. Electric stoves are selling for Tk1,800 to Tk4,000, while induction cookers priced between Tk5,000 and Tk20,000 are also seeing strong demand.

Households say the shift to electric cooking has pushed up electricity bills. Many complained they receive gas for only a short period each day, often with pressure too low for cooking.

Working families have been among the hardest hit, with many unable to prepare breakfast or school meals in the morning. Some cook food the previous night, while others are forced to purchase meals, adding to financial pressure on lower- and middle-income households.

Small restaurants are also facing difficulties as weak gas pressure delays cooking and drives away customers, leading to business losses.

Residents urged the authorities, including Titas Gas, to restore a stable gas supply, saying the prolonged crisis is placing an increasing burden on households and businesses alike.