Chittagong’s fertiliser industry is grappling with a severe gas shortage that has already forced two major plants in Anwara to suspend operations, with a third on the brink of closure. Chittagong Urea Fertiliser Limited (CUFL) and Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited (KAFCO) have ceased production, while DAP Fertiliser Company Limited (DAPFCL) may be forced to shut down within the coming week if ammonia supply is not restored, according to Managing Director Mohammad Moinul Haque.
Background of DAPFCL
DAPFCL was established under the Ministry of Industries, operating under the oversight of BCIC, to ensure balanced fertiliser use in agriculture and meet the growing demand for compound fertilisers containing nitrogen and phosphorus. Located in Rangadia, Anwara, the plant consists of two units, DAP-1 and DAP-2, each with a daily production capacity of 800 tonnes of DAP fertiliser. The plant began commercial production in 2006 and currently produces 600–700 tonnes of urea daily.
DAPFCL has historically relied on ammonia supplied by its neighbouring plants, CUFL and KAFCO, to produce urea. However, with the shutdown of these two plants, ammonia supply has been disrupted. According to DAPFCL sources, production will cease next week once existing ammonia reserves are depleted.
Managing Director Moinul Haque noted that DAPFCL’s gas requirements are lower than other fertiliser plants and could operate on minimal gas supply similar to that used in residential areas. Nevertheless, the lack of ammonia from CUFL and KAFCO leaves the plant unable to continue urea production. Haque also highlighted that most of the plant’s machinery has aged, and labour shortages have contributed to a decline in production levels over the years.
Recent Restart in Narsingdi
Meanwhile, Ghorashal–Polash Fertiliser Plant in Polash, Narsingdi, resumed urea production yesterday after a 27-day halt caused by gas scarcity. Production restarted at 12:10 PM on Monday, following gas supply restoration on 31 March. The plant, which has a daily production capacity of 2,800 tonnes, requires approximately five to six days to reach full operational capacity, according to General Manager (Administration) Md. Fakhrul Alam. Production was suspended on 4 March under government directives due to the gas shortage.
Fertiliser Production Overview
| Plant Name | Location | Status | Daily Production Capacity | Current Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUFL | Anwara, Chittagong | Closed | 1,200 tonnes urea | 0 | Closed due to gas shortage |
| KAFCO | Anwara, Chittagong | Closed | 1,500 tonnes urea | 0 | Closed due to gas shortage |
| DAPFCL | Rangadia, Anwara | At risk | 800 tonnes DAP | 600–700 tonnes urea | May close if ammonia not supplied |
| Ghorashal–Polash | Polash, Narsingdi | Operating | 2,800 tonnes urea | Ramp-up stage | Resumed after 27-day halt |
The ongoing gas crisis threatens not only the fertiliser supply chain but also agricultural productivity nationwide, as urea and DAP are critical for meeting crop nutrient requirements. Industry experts are calling for immediate measures to restore gas supply and stabilise production across key plants.