Bangladesh factories are running out of gas. Export losses could reach $1.5 billion.

A mechanical failure at a liquefied natural gas terminal in Moheshkhali has deepened Bangladesh’s gas shortage, disrupting electricity generation, factories and transportation.

National demand is about 3,800 million cubic feet per day, while supply has fallen to 2,500 to 2,600 million cubic feet. A Titas authority representative said the terminal fault cut supply by 450 to 500 million cubic feet per day.

Forty-seven of Bangladesh’s 71 gas-fired power plants are shut down. The remaining plants are producing about 4,000 megawatts against a combined capacity of 12,000 megawatts, contributing to 1,700 megawatts of load shedding.

More than 300 factories in Narsingdi have reportedly closed for a week. A garment industry owner warned that prolonged disruption could reduce exports by at least $1.5 billion this month.

Compressed natural gas stations also reported sharply reduced pressure, leaving commercial drivers waiting four to six hours for fuel.