Responding to criticism from business leaders about the ongoing energy crisis, Petrobangla has clarified that gas supply to industries rose by 21 per cent from January to April 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources on Monday, May 26, 2025, the average daily gas supply to industries increased from 823 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) in 2024 to 997 mmcfd this year.
The statement responds to claims made by the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) at a press conference on Sunday, May 25, where leaders reported that textile mills, critical to the $45 billion garment industry, are operating at 40-50 per cent capacity due to insufficient gas supply.
They also noted the government’s failure to deliver on a May 14 commitment to provide an additional 250 mmcfd.
Petrobangla countered that it has arranged for six additional LNG cargoes this year compared to last year, despite high import costs of Tk 65 per cubic metre.
Industrial and captive consumers pay Tk 30 and Tk 31.50 per cubic metre, respectively, requiring a government subsidy of Tk 35 per cubic metre. Starting May 28, 2025, an extra 150 mmcfd will be supplied due to these imports and revised allocation policies.
“The government is taking proactive steps to ensure gas supply to industries and hopes this clarification resolves misunderstandings,” the release stated.
BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell likened the gas crisis to the “systematic killing” of intellectuals during the 1971 Liberation War, saying, “Industrial entrepreneurs and industries are being killed in the same way.”
In response, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam condemned the remarks on May 26, saying, “Comparing the gas crisis to the 1971 atrocities is historically inaccurate and deeply disrespectful to those who sacrificed their lives for our independence.”