Gas Supply Improves in Bangladesh, but Apparel Industry Suffers

The recent gas supply disruption in Bangladesh has shown signs of improvement, with some areas receiving gas near pre-disruption levels. According to Petrobangla data, total gas supply stood at 2,610 million cubic feet (mcf) by 12 pm on Tuesday, with 1,620 mcf coming from domestic gas fields and 990 mcf from imported regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG). The increase in RLNG supply has improved the nationwide gas supply situation since Monday night.

BKMEA Executive President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan said that gas supply has been increasing since last night, but it may take up to two days to improve the situation in Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Mymensingh zones. He added that if LNG supply continues, it could help boost buyer confidence and grow the business.

The disruption has had a significant impact on the apparel industry, with up to 10% of orders being cancelled due to lack of energy supply. According to BKMEA's survey, 92% of respondents said they had to bear extra costs for alternative fuel sources to keep production running. The same share reported wasted labour or working hours.