Bangladesh’s industrial zones are facing severe disruptions as gas supply pressures have plummeted, at times to zero. The crisis, which is affecting areas like Manikganj, Dhamrai, Narayanganj, Savar, and Gazipur, is crippling production, particularly in export-oriented industries. The textile sector, heavily reliant on gas, is especially hit, with many factories now operating at a fraction of their capacity.
The gas shortages have caused significant financial losses, as factories are still being billed for their full gas load but are only receiving a fraction of it. To cope, some businesses have turned to costly alternatives like diesel, LPG, and compressed natural gas (CNG), which are expensive and insufficient to meet their needs.
This crisis follows two major gas price hikes in the past two years. In February 2023, gas prices jumped by 179 percent, with a promise of uninterrupted supply, but the situation worsened. A further 33 percent price hike was implemented in April 2025, but factory owners say the availability of gas has only deteriorated.
The industrial machinery requires at least 7 pounds per square inch (PSI) of gas pressure to function properly, but current pressure levels are often between 1 and 2.5 PSI, which is inadequate for production.
The crisis is leading to widespread concerns about the future of Bangladesh’s textile industry. Factory owners fear they may default on loans, reduce their workforce, and potentially face a major industrial slowdown. At least 20 textile mills across the country are reportedly up for sale, driven by a combination of dwindling gas supply, falling global demand, and rising production costs.
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