Petrobangla refutes claims on industrial gas crisis

Petrobangla has issued a clarification in response to what it described as "misleading and confusing" statements made by representatives of various associations regarding gas supply to industrial establishments.

The state-run oil, gas, and mineral corporation issued the statement a day after textile and garment industry owners claimed that many mills are on the verge of shutting down, as they are unable to operate even at minimum capacity due to an acute gas crisis.

Today, Petrobangla said the actual gas supply data contradict the claims circulated in the media.

Between January and April this year, the average daily gas supply to the industrial sector stood at 997 million cubic feet (mmcfd), up 21 percent from 823 mmcfd in the same period of 2024, it said.

In April alone, supply reached 1,088 mmcfd, a rise of around 50 percent year-on-year, the statement added.

To meet the growing industrial demand, Petrobangla has arranged the import of six additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes this year, it said.

The import cost of LNG is about Tk 65 per cubic metre, while industrial users pay Tk 30 and captive power producers Tk 31.50 per cubic metre.

The government is subsidising Tk 35 per cubic metre of gas supplied under the current pricing structure.

Citing additional LNG imports and adjustments in sector-wise distribution, Petrobangla said it plans to supply an extra 150 mmcfd from Wednesday.

"The government is actively working to ensure adequate gas supply to industries and has taken timely measures to that end. We hope this clarification will dispel any misunderstandings surrounding the issue," the statement said.