Dhaka gripped by triple crisis of gas, power, and traffic

Dhaka residents are enduring an increasingly gruelling urban existence as severe gas shortages, recurrent load-shedding and crippling traffic congestion converge to create a three-pronged crisis across the capital. The disruptions, which have persisted for several days, are severely affecting household cooking, transportation and everyday activities, leaving residents struggling to maintain their normal routines. Low gas pressure has rendered stoves unusable in many homes, while frequent power cuts have undermined reliance on electric alternatives.

The gas shortage has been exacerbated by technical problems at the floating LNG terminal in Maheshkhali and adverse weather, with national supply recently falling to around 2,098 million cubic feet per day against demand of roughly 4,000 million cubic feet. In areas under Titas Gas, demand exceeds 1,900 million cubic feet, while supply has dropped to about 980 million cubic feet. Residents in Shantinagar, Banasree, Badda, Uttara, Mirpur, Rampura, Malibagh and Old Dhaka have reported extremely low pressure, forcing many households to resort to electric or wood-burning stoves. CNG drivers are facing even greater hardship, with queues stretching up to two to three kilometres at several filling stations and motorists reportedly waiting six to seven hours to obtain limited quantities of gas. Summit LNG Terminal, however, said it had begun supplying around 110 million cubic feet of gas and planned to gradually raise the volume to about 550 million cubic feet.

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Meanwhile, persistent load-shedding has compounded the disruption, particularly during evening peak hours, while heavy rain, waterlogging, political and social programmes and ongoing road and utility projects have intensified traffic congestion. Roads including Manik Mia Avenue, Pragati Sarani and parts of Dhanmondi have been particularly affected by waterlogging, construction and road closures. Although the government has outlined longer-term measures, including intensified offshore gas exploration, drilling 150 new wells and expanding renewable energy, residents are seeking immediate and effective administrative measures to bring relief to the capital’s deteriorating living conditions.