TBT DESK: Gas supply and pressure have improved further across industrial areas, households and CNG filling stations, providing some relief to consumers following the recent supply crisis.

Gas pressure has returned to mostly normal levels in Chattogram, while industrial areas in Gazipur, Mawna, Bhaluka, Mymensingh, Narayanganj and Narsingdi have reported improved supplies.

Industry representatives said the situation is gradually moving towards normalcy, although pressure fluctuations continue in some areas.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu said the disruption to the gas supply chain had begun to ease.

“Gas supply improved significantly until last night, and the overall situation is improving gradually,” he told BSS.

He said the problems in Gazipur, Mawna, Bhaluka and Mymensingh had largely been resolved, although some areas continued to experience shortages and fluctuations. Manikganj, Dhamrai and parts of Savar, he added, had faced supply problems even before the recent crisis.

Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem said gas pressure had increased in parts of Narayanganj, Narsingdi and Gazipur.

“In some areas, gas pressure has reached 12 to 15 PSI, which has not been seen in these areas in recent times,” he said.

Pressure remains relatively low in parts of Ashulia, Kashimpur, Kaliakair and Dhamrai, however.

Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) President Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury Parvez said increased transmission through the national gas pipeline had helped improve supplies to industrial units.

But he noted that pressure remained unstable in some locations, with factories receiving normal pressure for only a few hours before it fell again.

He stressed that industries need regular and adequate gas pressure to maintain uninterrupted production.

According to Petrobangla sources, gas supply through the national transmission pipeline stood at 2.61 billion cubic feet (bcf) at 4pm on Wednesday, with supplies to the national grid gradually increasing.

The improvement has also been felt by households and CNG filling stations, bringing relief to consumers and drivers of CNG-powered vehicles.

Sources said the Prime Minister's Office was monitoring gas supply conditions in industrial areas and the national transmission network, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directing authorities to take steps to improve supplies.

Industry leaders said production could return to a more normal pace once gas supply and pressure become fully stable.