Bangladesh is losing an estimated 10 to 12 percent of its natural gas supply each year through leaks in aging pipelines and equipment, costing the country about $1.5 billion annually, according to a new World Bank report.
The Bank’s Global Flaring and Methane Reduction program says much of the lost gas escapes as methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, from worn-out pipes, corroded joints, and faulty valves across the national network. Poor maintenance and a lack of modern monitoring have made it difficult to track and contain the losses.
To address the problem, the World Bank is working with Petrobangla and the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission to detect and repair leaks using digital monitoring systems and leak detection technology. The initiative includes a $500,000 grant within a broader $350 million modernization program to upgrade gas infrastructure.
Officials say the effort could recover millions in lost revenue, reduce methane emissions, and strengthen Bangladesh’s energy security.