A technical fault at one of two floating LNG terminals in Maheshkhali has sharply reduced gas supplies to Dhaka and nearby districts, causing severe disruption in homes, CNG filling stations and factories. The report, published on July 26, says the situation has worsened over the past week, while the energy division has been unable to provide a definite timeline for restoring normal supply.

Residents in New Market, Mohammadpur and the 600 Feet Road area reported little or no gas for cooking, while CNG drivers said many pumps lacked pressure and some queues lasted 10 to 12 hours. Shortages have also affected Narayanganj, Gazipur and Narsingdi, where industrial and household users are facing supply constraints. Normal production at factories in Savar and Gazipur has been seriously disrupted. CNG station owners are also preparing for a strike over demands for higher commissions.

State Minister Anindya Islam Amit said experts from the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates identified the fault and are carrying out repairs, but the technical complexity prevents a firm deadline. Bangladesh supplies about 2,700 to 2,800 million cubic feet of gas daily against demand of 3,800 million. The government says work is underway on additional FSRUs, a land-based LNG terminal at Matarbari and investment initiatives for gas exploration.