Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said that there is “some truth” to complaints from industrialists about inadequate gas supply disrupting factory operations in key industrial zones.
He made the comments during a visit to Towel Tex Limited in the Chandra area of Kaliakair upazila, Gazipur, on Saturday (May 31) morning, amid growing frustration among factory owners over erratic gas flow.
“There is some truth to the allegations raised by the factory owners. We are working to identify the causes and improve the situation,” Khan told reporters.
“To address this, we are bringing in additional LNG supplies. One cargo has arrived but faced delays in docking due to strong winds. It is now being offloaded, and we hope the gas crisis will ease by this evening. We are closely monitoring the situation,” he added.
Gas shortages have hampered production in industrial hubs such as Gazipur and Savar, where factories dependent on steady fuel supply for power and manufacturing have struggled to maintain output.
M Shahadat Hossain, Managing Director of Towel Tex Limited, said gas supply for electricity generation had improved slightly, but production lines were still suffering.
“We need uninterrupted gas for at least eight hours a day, even if it's through rationing. The current inconsistency is forcing us to rely on costly alternative fuels, which is hurting our competitiveness in the export market,” he said.
Khan also acknowledged the widespread issue of illegal gas connections and signaled a tough stance against corruption within Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd.
“There are illegal connections across several regions. Action is already being taken against some Titas officials found responsible. We are preparing for a large-scale drive to disconnect illegal lines and hold accountable those involved,” the adviser added.
Senior government officials, including Energy Secretary Saiful Islam, Titas Gas Managing Director Parvez Ahmed, and Rural Electrification Board Chairman Major General Moin Uddin, accompanied Khan during the visit.
SMS/
