Bangladesh manufacturers seek relief amid severe gas crisis

Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector is facing severe disruptions due to a prolonged gas and energy crisis. In Mymensingh, the shortage has forced 20 factories to send workers home and has reduced production at major industrial establishments by an average of 50 per cent. Textile and yarn-manufacturing plants have been hit particularly hard, with some facilities shutting down the majority of their machinery due to low gas pressure.

In response to the crisis, the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) is seeking emergency government support. Manufacturers in Narayanganj have requested a 12-month repayment window for outstanding gas and electricity bills and have urged authorities to prevent utility disconnections during this period.

Industry leaders have also proposed prioritizing industrial gas availability by halting CNG supplies to private vehicles and taking legal action against illegal gas connections. Additionally, exporters are calling for an extension of the loan default classification period from six to 12 months to mitigate the financial pressure caused by production losses.