Dhaka, July 31: A prolonged gas supply crisis has severely disrupted production at hundreds of garment factories in Ashulia, one of Bangladesh’s largest industrial hubs, putting export shipments and the country’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector under growing pressure.
Factory owners say critically low gas pressure has made it impossible to operate boilers efficiently, halting key production processes such as dyeing, finishing, ironing and packaging. Although many factories have completed most of the manufacturing work, the final stages required before shipment remain delayed.
The disruption has affected factories across Jamgora, Kathgara, Zirabo, Narsinghpur, Beron, Shimultala, Palashbari, Nishchintapur, Baipail and Zirani, where workers have been forced to wait for gas supply or continue production on a limited scale using alternative arrangements.
Industry representatives warned that delayed deliveries could result in financial penalties from international buyers and jeopardize future export orders, particularly in competitive markets across Europe and North America.
Workers also reported frequent interruptions to their daily operations, saying they often arrive at work on time but are unable to begin production because of the gas shortage.
Industry stakeholders noted that the problem of low gas pressure is not new, but described the current crisis as one of the most severe in recent years. They urged the authorities to restore a stable gas supply to prevent further disruption to production and exports.
Officials from Titas Gas said efforts are underway to identify the cause of the supply disruption and normalize the situation, although they could not specify when full service would be restored.
Business leaders warned that every additional day of disruption increases pressure on production schedules, export shipments and Bangladesh’s foreign exchange earnings from its vital garment industry.
