Chattogram is grappling with a gas shortage of around 80 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD), disrupting both industrial output and household consumption – a situation energy sector officials link to inadequate liquified natural gas (LNG) imports.
The region, which relies entirely on imported LNG, receives its gas through the Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited.
According to Karnaphuli Gas data, gas supply has dropped to around 250 MMCFD, compared to a daily demand of 312-350 MMCFD across sectors such as industries, power plants, fertilizer factories, households, and CNG stations. On 5 May, the region received just 267 MMCFD.
The shortage has hit gas-reliant sectors the hardest, particularly heavy industries, cement factories, and garment manufacturers.
Chattogram is home to over 3,000 factories, including 1,200 heavy industrial units. Among the most affected are the steel, cement, ship-breaking, corrugated sheet, and RMG sectors.
