Bangladesh gas shortage cripples factories and disrupts daily life

A gas shortage linked to a mechanical failure and fire at a floating liquefied natural gas terminal in Moheshkhali is disrupting factories, homes, refueling stations and power generation across Bangladesh.

The national grid faces a deficit of about 450 million cubic feet of gas. The terminal is operated by U.S.-based Excelerate Energy.

In Narayanganj, gas pressure has fallen from the required 15 pounds per square inch to less than 1, leaving about 90% of industries severely affected or nearly closed. Some factories report production declines of 60% to 70%.

“We are failing to deliver on our buyer commitments on time,” an unnamed local industry owner said. “Bank interest and wages are ongoing, but production is already down by 60 to 70%.”

In Chattogram, residents face weak household supplies, while drivers wait two to three hours at compressed natural gas stations. Authorities have not announced when repairs will be completed.