LNG Shortage Wrecks Bangladesh's Industry

Bangladesh's worsening gas shortage is crippling industries and causing public suffering due to prolonged disruptions in gas and electricity supply. The crisis was triggered by a reduction in imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies after one of the country's Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) at Maheshkhali shut down on July 21.

The Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources reported that the technical fault has removed between 450-500 million cubic feet of gas per day from the national grid. This has exposed the vulnerability of Bangladesh's energy system and raised concerns over industrial competitiveness and investor confidence.

The manufacturing sector, particularly the export-oriented textile and apparel industry, has been severely impacted. Industry sources said production in many factories has declined by 30-50%, while some plants have suspended operations altogether due to a shortage of fuel supplies to power plants.