Ashuganj Fertilizer Factory Shuts Down Indefinitely Due to Gas Crisis

Local Correspondent

The Ashuganj Fertilizer Factory in Brahmanbaria has indefinitely halted urea production just 38 days after resuming operations, due to a severe gas crisis.

The factory’s General Manager (Operations), A.B. Mahmud, stated that urea production was stopped from Saturday night after the gas supply was cut off.

Previously, the factory had remained closed until November 14 last year, following prolonged protests by workers. The Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company Limited (BGDCL) resumed gas supply on November 15, and after completing all preparations, production restarted on January 23.

However, within just 38 days, the factory has again been hit by a gas crisis.

The Ashuganj Fertilizer Factory authorities reported that the plant has a daily production capacity of 1,150 tons of urea. However, to maintain normal production, at least 48 million cubic feet of gas per day is required. Despite having a gas connection, low pressure has made it impossible to produce urea at full capacity.

On Saturday evening, BGDCL completely cut off the gas supply to the factory, leading to the indefinite suspension of urea production from that night.

General Manager A.B. Mahmud said, “Fertilizer production is impossible without gas. Therefore, the factory’s production activities have been halted. It is uncertain when production will resume.”

Jahidur Reza, Deputy General Manager (Engineering) of BGDCL, said, “The gas supply to the Ashuganj Fertilizer Factory has been stopped due to a government decision. When the supply will resume also depends on the government’s decision. Perhaps the factory will not receive gas during this season.”