Fix Dhaka’s gas crisis

Shortage of gas supply has become a daily reality for many households and industries in Dhaka and adjacent areas, according to a report by this daily on January 20, 2022. Residents of Mohammadpur, Jatrabari, Rajabazar, Jigatola, Mirpur and many other areas have reported facing this crisis for two months now. And it has become acute in recent weeks. Industries adjacent to Dhaka are suffering production losses as a result. Earlier this month, the Titas Gas authorities informed consumers that there could be low gas pressure in Titas-affiliated areas from January 12 to January 21 due to technical reasons. However, we still don't know if there has been any progress in addressing the crisis.

Reportedly, a number of factors have led to the gas shortage in the capital. First, one of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in the country is having some technical problems, for which gas supply has been reduced by 400 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd), according to the Titas Gas authorities. Then, a well in the Bibiyana gas field is going through renovation work—another reason for the shortage. Gas pressure also usually remains low during winter, leading to disruption in the supply chain. Therefore, while the current demand for gas in the country is more than 3,800 mmcfd, the distributors are supplying only 2,600-2,700 mmcfd.

In such circumstances, we urge the authorities to complete the renovation work of Bibiyana gas field as soon as possible, and fix the technical problems at the LNG terminal on a priority basis. The government's decision to keep CNG filling stations closed for four hours every day is also a step in the right direction. If needed, these filling stations can be kept closed for a few more hours.

We have learnt that the government has a plan to import expensive LNG to address the gas crisis. We are not against it, but will the government supply the imported gas at an affordable price to the consumers? And to avoid any future crisis, the government should explore new gas fields, but more importantly, it should start looking into better, cleaner alternatives to cooking gas—like low-cost induction stoves.