Gas crisis keeps 5 of 6 urea fertiliser factories shut

The ongoing US-Israel war with Iran has effectively disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy supply routes, creating uncertainty in global energy markets. The impact of the situation has also reached Bangladesh.

Amid a worsening gas crisis, production at five out of the country’s six urea fertiliser factories has been suspended. Despite nearly a month having passed, these plants remain shut due to the continued gas shortage.

A senior official of the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) confirmed the matter to Jago News on Monday night (March 30).

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said the factories were shut due to the gas crisis and would be reopened gradually once gas supply improves. Among the plants, only Shahjalal Fertiliser Company Limited is currently in operation, while the rest remain closed.

Earlier, on March 5, Md Moniruzzaman, director of BCIC’s Trade, Production and Research Department, had said that five of the country’s six urea fertiliser factories had been shut due to gas shortages.

BCIC officials said the Energy Division had initially instructed the closure of the factories for 15 days. However, even after that period, operations could not resume due to the ongoing gas shortage.

They added that the shutdown decision was taken in early March as a precautionary measure, anticipating a potential energy crisis in the country if the Middle East conflict becomes prolonged.

Under BCIC, there are five urea fertiliser factories: Ghorashal Polash Fertiliser Public Limited Company, Shahjalal Fertiliser Company Limited, Chittagong Urea Fertiliser Factory Limited, Jamuna Fertiliser Company Limited, and Ashuganj Fertiliser and Chemical Company Limited. Of these, only Shahjalal Fertiliser Company Limited remains operational.

In addition, the privately operated Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited has also suspended production due to the gas crisis.