Severe Gas Crisis Silences Dhaka Kitchens, Driving More People to Hotels

Dhaka residents are facing severe difficulties due to an acute gas crisis across the capital. In many areas, gas pressure has remained so low for days that household stoves cannot be lit. As a result, some people are being forced to cook with electric stoves, while others are using firewood. Dependence on hotels and restaurants for breakfast is also increasing. The situation was found in several areas, including Banasree, Rampura and Badda, during a visit on Tuesday morning. A hotel in Banasree was crowded with people looking for breakfast in the early morning. Some were eating there, while others were taking food parcels before heading to work. Local residents said the gas crisis has intensified over the past few weeks, making it difficult to cook regularly at home. As a result, many are having to buy breakfast from outside. This has increased household food expenses, while concerns have also emerged over the quality and health risks of hotel food. An employee of a private company said he used to prepare and eat breakfast at home before going to work every morning. However, due to the gas crisis, he has been having breakfast at a hotel for nearly two weeks. He uses an electric stove to prepare lunch and dinner.

Another resident said four parathas, eggs and dal bhaji cost around Tk 120. The cost increases further if additional items are purchased. The same food would cost much less if prepared at home. The crisis is not limited to Banasree. Titas gas users in various areas, including Badda, Rampura, Malibagh, Khilgaon, Dhanmondi, Mirpur and Uttara, are also suffering. Many families are using electric stoves as an alternative. Some low-income families are being forced to cook with firewood. A Badda resident said they cannot afford to buy an electric stove and therefore have to continue cooking with firewood. This requires additional effort and also creates smoke and health risks. The gas crisis has also affected hotels and restaurants. Workers at several hotels in Banasree said the number of customers has increased in recent times, particularly in the morning. Many people are turning to hotels because they cannot prepare breakfast at home.

According to officials, gas supply has been disrupted due to technical problems at the floating LNG terminals, or FSRUs, in Maheshkhali, as well as adverse weather conditions. Supply declined following a technical problem at one terminal. Later, adverse weather also disrupted normal supply from another terminal, further worsening the crisis in different parts of the capital.

The gas crisis is therefore affecting more than household kitchens. It is increasing family expenses, public suffering and dependence on hotels. If the situation does not improve soon, the impact of the crisis on people’s daily lives may become even more severe.