Bangladesh gas supply has fallen to nearly half of demand. CNG stations are feeling the strain.

Compressed natural gas stations in Bangladesh are struggling to fuel vehicles as a nationwide gas shortage sharply reduces pressure at pumps, leaving drivers in hourslong lines.

The country requires at least 4 billion cubic feet of gas daily but is receiving about 2.2 billion cubic feet, down from a normal supply of about 2.7 billion cubic feet. The decline followed a failure at a floating liquefied natural gas terminal.

At some filling stations, pressure has fallen from the expected level of at least 250 to about 128. Station operators say the lower pressure prevents them from filling vehicles properly, forcing drivers to wait for hours and leave with only partial tanks.

Recurring shortages are also prompting more vehicle owners to convert from compressed natural gas to liquefied petroleum gas, which many consider more reliable.

The crisis has also disrupted industry, with some factories operating at only 30% of normal production.