From the kitchen stove to the station, people are helpless due to gas shortages

For more than two weeks, Dhaka and other major cities have been grappling with a severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), causing acute disruption to households and transport services alike. Prices have nearly doubled, yet LPG cylinders remain largely unavailable. The crisis is compounded by recent incidents that have interrupted natural gas supply for over a week, leaving residents struggling to cook and operate gas-powered appliances.

The ongoing shortage was highlighted at a press conference held on Saturday at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity by the Bangladesh LPG Auto Gas Station and Conversion Workshop Owners Association.

According to the association, monthly LPG demand averages 140,000 tonnes, with 15,000 tonnes allocated for transportation. However, since last month, supply has been far below demand, forcing many gas stations to suspend operations.

“The LPG shortage is severely affecting transport systems, consumer interests, fuel security, and the daily lives of ordinary citizens. Almost all LPG auto-gas stations in the country are currently non-operational,” the association said in a written statement presented by its president, Md. Sirajul Mawla.

The shortfall has directly impacted over 150,000 LPG-powered vehicles, leaving owners and drivers stranded for hours as they search from station to station for fuel. Even when available, cylinders are often sold at inflated rates. A standard 12 kg cylinder, priced at 1,306 BDT, is now being sold for up to 2,500 BDT, yet consumers frequently fail to obtain one at any cost.

Residents are also feeling the pinch in daily household routines. Many have resorted to alternative cooking methods, including electric stoves, due to the unavailability of both piped gas and LPG cylinders. Mohammadrpur resident Kamrunnessa Ruhi described her ordeal: “Gas pressure is often low, so I had to use an LPG stove. Now, there’s no supply, and I had to purchase an electric stove yesterday.”

The following table summarises the current LPG supply-demand scenario:

The crisis worsened after a pipeline leak at Aminbazar on 4 January caused low-pressure gas supply in Dhaka. A subsequent valve burst near Mirpur Road further disrupted flow, with repair works temporarily shutting down additional valves in surrounding areas. Titas Gas Transmission & Distribution PLC later replaced the damaged valve, gradually restoring supply.

The association has urged authorities to immediately normalise LPG imports and ensure adequate distribution to prevent further economic and social hardship. Owners of LPG stations warn that prolonged closures are making it nearly impossible to cover staff salaries, bank loans, and operational expenses. They estimate it could take another two weeks for the supply chain to stabilise fully.