Petrobangla, the state-owned oil, gas, and mineral corporation, has issued a clarification denying reports of an industrial gas crisis, asserting that recent claims by industry representatives are misleading and unfounded. The statement came a day after textile and garment industry owners warned that many mills are nearing shutdown due to severe gas shortages.
The organisation provided data indicating that gas supply to the industrial sector has actually increased. Between January and April 2024, the average daily supply reached 997 million cubic feet (mmcfd), marking a 21 per cent rise from 823 mmcfd during the same period last year. In April alone, supply surged to 1,088 mmcfd, a 50 per cent year-on-year increase.
To support the growing industrial demand, Petrobangla has arranged the import of six additional LNG cargoes this year. The cost of imported LNG is approximately Taka 65 per cubic metre, while industrial users pay Taka 30 and captive power producers Taka 31.50 per cubic metre. The Government continues to subsidise Taka 35 per cubic metre under the current pricing structure.
Furthermore, Petrobangla announced plans to supply an extra 150 mmcfd of gas starting Wednesday by adjusting sector-wise distribution and importing additional LNG. The corporation emphasised that the government is actively working to ensure adequate gas supplies to industries and hopes its clarification will dispel any misunderstandings regarding the current gas situation.
