Severe gas crisis in Mohammadpur for three consecutive weeks: Life in Japan Garden City and surrounding areas is extremely difficult

Local representative

 

Dhaka, July 28: There has been a severe shortage of cooking gas in the capital’s Mohammadpur area for almost three weeks. Residents of Japan Garden City, Taj Mahal Road, Zakir Hossain Road, Babar Road, Asad Avenue and other areas are suffering from gas shortages throughout the day. Many complain that such a prolonged and severe shortage has never been seen before.

 

Usually, in winter, even if the gas pressure is low in the morning, cooking can be done at night. But this time, locals said that the fire in the stove has not been burning all day. Many families are eating biscuits and bread, and children and the elderly are facing extreme difficulty in preparing food.

 

The use of electrical appliances in homes is increasing.

Due to the gas crisis, the use of electric stoves, electric heaters, rice cookers, and electric fryers has increased greatly in various areas of Dhaka, including Mohammadpur. Many families are now buying these electrical appliances to cook. As a result, electricity bills have also increased significantly. As the demand for such appliances in shops has increased, prices have also gone up slightly. Many are also cooking by burning wood in LPG cylinders or clay stoves, which is increasing additional costs and health risks.

National cause: Fire at LNG terminal

The main cause of the crisis is a fire at the floating LNG terminal (FSRU) in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar. On July 21, a boiler at the terminal of US-based Excelerate Energy was damaged, resulting in the loss of about 450 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas supply.

 

The country’s daily gas demand is around 3,800 MMCFD, but supply is limited to 2,700-2,800 MMCFD even during normal times. The problem at a terminal has affected the entire country due to the increased dependence on imported LNG (35-40 percent). An international team of experts is working on repairs, but it may take a few more days or more for normal supply to return.

 

Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company has issued a notice apologizing to its customers and stating that the pressure will be low. The impact is most severe in various areas of Dhaka, including Mohammadpur, Mirpur, Dhanmondi, Kafrul, Kalabagan, Badda, Rampura, and others.

The suffering of the residents

Residents of Japan Garden City said that it has become difficult to prepare children’s meals due to the lack of gas throughout the day. Many are buying food from restaurants, which is increasing costs. There are also long lines at CNG stations, disrupting vehicle movement.

 

Locals are expressing their anger on social media and demanding a quick solution. Energy experts say the country’s gas sector is in such a crisis due to long-standing mismanagement and lack of discovery of new sources.

 

Titas Gas and Petrobangla authorities say that repair work is underway and efforts are being made to improve the situation. However, it may take a few more days for normal supply to return.