Dhaka's Gas Crisis Boosts Electric Cooker Sales

A persistent gas shortage in parts of Dhaka has led to a surge in demand for electric cooking appliances, especially infrared and rice cookers. According to industry players, the annual market for electric cookers was previously valued at less than Tk 200 crore.

The gas crisis began on July 22 after disruptions involving floating storage and regasification units reduced the supply of liquefied natural gas to the national grid by about 450 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd), or nearly 17 percent. This resulted in a shortfall that disrupted gas distribution, leaving many households without adequate pressure during the day.

RFL's chief marketing officer, Murshid Muneem, stated that demand for infrared cookers has more than doubled year-on-year, while rice cooker sales have risen by about 200-300 percent. However, induction cooker sales have been slower to grow due to the need for specially made pots and pans.

RFL has increased its production capacity by about 100 percent from last year, but demand has grown faster, creating a significant supply gap. The company's manufacturing facility at Danga Industrial Park in Ghorashal has also been affected by the gas shortage.