Dhaka Faces Severe Gas and LPG Shortage, Residents Struggle to Cook

The gas and LPG crisis in the capital Dhaka and nearby cities has reached alarming levels. For more than three weeks, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has been unavailable in the market. Even though prices have doubled, supply has not met demand. On top of this, there is a shortage of pipeline gas. As a result, ordinary people are struggling to cook.

Residents of the city typically use two types of gas—natural gas through pipelines and LPG cylinders. However, both sources are currently facing shortages. Many families have been forced to buy electric stoves, which has driven up the prices of these stoves in the market as well. People are sharing their difficulties daily on social media.

Robin Hasan, a resident of Mohammadpur, said that even after paying a monthly gas bill of BDT 1,080, he had to buy an LPG cylinder for BDT 2,500.

Housewife Shaila Sharmin stated that she bought a 12 kg cylinder for BDT 2,000. Another resident, Shamima Sultana, purchased the same cylinder for BDT 2,550, while the government-fixed price is only BDT 1,306.

Bangladesh has over 10 million LPG consumers. Ahead of the national elections and Ramadan, the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources instructed increased imports to avoid shortages. Twelve companies pledged to import 167,000 tons of LPG in January and 184,000 tons in February. Yet, by the end of January, market supply had not increased.

Rownak Jahan, a resident of Shyamoli, said cylinders ran out at the beginning of the month. She is cooking with an electric stove, which is time-consuming. Even when she finds a new cylinder, the price demanded is BDT 2,200. Suraiya Sejuti of Sher-e-Paara, Mirpur, said that gas would suddenly run out while cooking in the afternoon. After searching nearby shops, she finally found a cylinder for BDT 2,250.

LPG importers say that demand rises in winter. Coupled with instability in the Middle East and global market shortages, LPG has become scarce. Even when available, there are not enough ships for transportation. Efforts are underway to find new sources. The government agency, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, is also attempting imports.

Pipeline gas supply has also decreased. Titas Gas serves 2.78 million customers, including 2.758 million residential users. While daily demand is 1.8 billion cubic feet, supply has dropped to 1.45 billion cubic feet. Consequently, many areas in Dhaka are experiencing gas shortages for cooking.

Petrobangla reported that daily gas demand in the country is 3.8 billion cubic feet, but supply is only 2.6 billion cubic feet. Around 850 million cubic feet of this came from imported LNG. Pipeline LNG is supplied via two floating terminals in Moheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar. Recently, one terminal was closed for maintenance, reducing supply. Although partially reopened, it will take time to normalize pressure.

Titas Gas authorities announced that due to maintenance, LNG supply will decrease from Saturday noon to Sunday noon, affecting residential, commercial, industrial, and power sector consumers, with pressure lower than normal.

In summary, the gas and LPG crisis has disrupted daily life in Dhaka and other cities. Even though the government has taken steps to increase imports, it will take time for supply to stabilize. Meanwhile, ordinary people are forced to find alternative arrangements for cooking.