The ongoing gas crisis in Dhaka has severely disrupted daily life, forcing many residents to rely on costly LPG cylinders as an alternative.
Despite paying fixed rates for piped gas, city dwellers are grappling with rising costs for both supply gas and LPG, compounding their financial burdens.
The situation has deteriorated further due to frequent gas shortages, often attributed to maintenance work.
Recently, the Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) announced a temporary suspension of RLNG (re-gasified liquefied natural gas) supply for 72 hours, from 12:00 noon on January 10, 2025, to 12:00 noon on January 13, 2025.
This suspension is to facilitate repair and maintenance work at the LNG Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) operated by Excelerate Energy at Moheshkhali.
Residents across Dhaka are voicing their frustration as irregular supply disrupts cooking and other essential activities.
Ali Asgor, an accounts officer residing in Khilgaon Sipahipara, described his struggles to Just Energy News: “We only get gas in the evening. During the day, there’s none. Cooking food has become a constant struggle, especially during extended maintenance periods.”
Nurul Huda, a retired Bangladesh Air Force officer from Cantonment Manikdi, shared similar woes. “Gas becomes available only at 11 PM, forcing my wife to bake bread at night for the next day,” he said. “Many are now turning to electricity, undermining efforts to conserve power.”
Md Wazir, a security guard in Bashundhara Residential Area, highlighted the financial strain on tenants. “A small family spends over Tk 3,000 a month on two 12kg LPG cylinders, even though the fixed monthly gas bill for double burners is Tk 1,080. The rising costs are unbearable,” he explained.
The cost of LPG cylinders remains significantly higher than piped gas. According to Bashundhara LP Gas officials, the depot prices for 12kg, 30kg, and 45kg cylinders are Tk 1,450, Tk 3,630, and Tk 5,450, respectively. Home delivery increases these prices to Tk 1,540, Tk 3,780, and Tk 5,640.
Residents in areas with slightly better gas supply still report low pressure and inconsistent availability. Rikta Chowdhury, an engineer from Siddheswari Road, remarked, “The pressure has noticeably declined, and the supply is no longer reliable.”
In Rampura WAPDA Colony, Ridoy Sheikh, a banker, shared that his family has had to adjust their routine. “My mother cooks dinner at night because there’s no gas by morning. We often prepare all meals at night to manage,” he said.
Md Tarek Islam, a web developer from Mirpur 10, echoed these struggles. “Gas often comes at midnight and is gone by morning. Preparing breakfast on time is nearly impossible, so we often eat out,” he noted.
As Dhaka’s residents continue to face mounting challenges, the financial and logistical burdens of relying on LPG cylinders exacerbate the crisis. Despite widespread frustration, authorities have yet to provide a clear timeline for resolving the gas shortages, leaving residents anxiously awaiting relief.
The crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to stabilize gas supply and alleviate the hardships faced by the city’s population.
