The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, or BKMEA, has sought special payment relief for garment factories facing financial losses amid severe gas and power shortages. In a letter to Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem requested that gas and electricity bills for July and August be paid in 12 equal instalments instead of a lump sum.

BKMEA said production at most garment factories was seriously disrupted during July and August because of shortages of gas and electricity. It said the suspension of natural-gas supplies to industries through open cylinders or cascade cylinders prevented many factories from maintaining normal production. To keep operations running, factories had to rely on alternative fuels.

According to the association, many firms purchased diesel, LPG and other fuels at higher prices with cash, increasing production costs and straining cash flow. BKMEA said lower output and additional fuel expenses have caused significant financial losses, making one-time bill payments difficult. It urged relevant ministries and agencies to issue necessary instructions, saying instalment facilities could ease financial pressure and help maintain production and export operations.