Dhaka is currently in the grip of a severe energy crisis, with a simultaneous collapse in piped natural gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies leaving millions of households unable to perform basic culinary tasks. From the affluent avenues of Dhanmandi to the sprawling suburbs of Khilgaon, the city’s residents are being forced into a desperate transition toward electric induction hobs, rice cookers, and, in lower-income areas, traditional earthen stoves.
A Citywide Gridlock
The supply of piped gas, managed by Titas Gas, has become almost non-existent in several key districts, including Mohammadpur, Shyamoli, Hazaribagh, and Gabtoli. Where gas is available, the pressure is so negligible that it fails to ignite a steady flame. Residents report a “nocturnal supply” pattern, where gas only flows between the hours of 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM, forcing families to cook in the dead of night to ensure they have food for the following day.
M.A. Noman, a resident of Moghbazar, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that even those willing to pay a premium for LPG are finding the market bare. Building caretakers have spent consecutive days searching for 12kg cylinders, only to return empty-handed. When located, these cylinders are being sold at extortionate rates, often exceeding 2,500 BDT.
Table: Comparative Analysis of Dhaka’s Domestic Fuel Crisis
| Cooking Source | Supply Status | Current Market Price | Alternative Transition |
| Piped Natural Gas | Critical Failure | Fixed Monthly Bill | Electric Induction Hobs |
| LPG Cylinder | Severe Scarcity | 2,400 – 2,500 BDT | Traditional Clay Stoves |
| Electric Cooking | Available | Subject to Electricity Tariff | High Demand for Units |
| Firewood/Clay | Stable | Variable Fuel Costs | Used in Low-Income Areas |
The Pivot to Electricity
The crisis has triggered a consumer frenzy at major electronics markets like Baitul Mukarram and New Market. Retailers have reported a record-breaking surge in the sale of electric cooking appliances. Sadikun Nahar, a resident of Khilgaon, stated that her family has completely abandoned the gas line in favour of electric stoves, despite the looming dread of significantly inflated electricity bills at the end of the month.
In more vulnerable communities such as Kamrangirchar, the regression is even more stark. Potters are reporting a massive spike in the production and sale of clay stoves (matir chula), as families can no longer afford the dual cost of elusive LPG and rising electricity.
Official Explanation and Infrastructure Damage
The Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC has attributed this unprecedented shortage to a combination of infrastructure failures. A major distribution pipeline situated beneath the Turag River has suffered extensive damage, significantly reducing the system’s overall pressure. This was further compounded by a critical valve explosion in the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area, which effectively severed the supply chain to central Dhaka.
As the utility provider scrambles to conduct repairs, the city remains in a state of flux. The transition to electric cooking is placing a secondary strain on the national power grid, leading to fears that an energy “domino effect” could result in widespread load shedding as the winter months progress.