Severe CNG crisis grips Dhaka, most filling stations run dry

A severe shortage of compressed natural gas (CNG) has disrupted operations at most filling stations across the capital, leaving thousands of drivers stranded and causing widespread inconvenience to commuters as supplies from the national gas grid remain below normal.

A visit to several CNG filling stations in different parts of Dhaka on Saturday (July 25) found that many outlets had suspended sales, displaying "No Gas" signs at their entrances. Stations still operating were dispensing gas in limited quantities due to low pressure, forcing drivers to wait in long queues for hours.

The supply crisis has significantly affected the movement of CNG-powered vehicles, including auto-rickshaws, reducing transport availability across the city and increasing passenger suffering.

Drivers said they were spending a large part of the day waiting at filling stations instead of transporting passengers, resulting in fewer trips and a sharp decline in daily earnings.

"Even after waiting for hours, we often can't get enough gas. We're losing income every day, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to support our families," said one CNG auto-rickshaw driver.

Filling station operators attributed the situation to an inadequate gas supply from the national transmission grid over the past several days. They said the pressure remains significantly below normal, making it impossible to meet growing demand.

Operators expressed hope that services would return to normal once gas supply from the national grid stabilises. Until then, however, both transport operators and commuters are expected to continue facing significant hardship.

The prolonged supply disruption has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Dhaka's transport system to fluctuations in natural gas distribution, with industry stakeholders urging the authorities to restore normal supply as quickly as possible.