BGMEA Seeks Two-Week Delivery Extension Amid Gas Crisis

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has requested global apparel buyers to extend goods delivery by up to two weeks due to the ongoing gas crisis in the country. The BGMEA made this request during a virtual meeting with a buyers' forum, where representatives from H&M, Kiabi, and Decathlon were present.

According to BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, the industry is reeling from poor gas supply, forcing factories to use up to 70% of their production capacity. This has resulted in a decrease of about 30-40% in production capacity, causing financial losses for exporters.

The government has attributed the worsening power and gas shortages to domestic supply constraints and disruptions in the global energy market. Information and Broadcasting Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said that Bangladesh's dependence on imported LNG makes the energy sector vulnerable to external shocks.