Titas low pressure chokes gas supply across Dhaka; residents struggle

A severe gas crisis triggered by low pressure in Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC's network has disrupted daily life across much of the capital, forcing residents to seek costly and inconvenient alternatives.

Most areas of Dhaka fall under Titas' gas distribution network, officials said.

For nearly a week, they said, widespread pipeline faults have resulted in extremely low pressure—or no supply at all—in many neighbourhoods, making cooking and other household activities nearly impossible.

Residents say that what Titas describes as 'low pressure' is, in reality, an almost complete absence of gas.

As a result, they said, daily routines have been severely hampered. Many households are buying LPG cylinders at inflated prices, while others have resorted to electric stoves. In some areas, residents are even cooking with firewood on rooftops.

Uttara resident Riyad Hossain said gas supply in Uttara and surrounding areas remained shut for most of Thursday. "Although gas resumed on yesterday morning, the pressure is so low that normal cooking is extremely difficult."

Jahidur Rahman from Abdullahpur reported that his area has been suffering from gas shortages for several consecutive days. "There is practically no gas during the daytime. With the little gas that comes, it takes nearly an hour just to boil a pot of water. We are being forced to buy LPG cylinders. Some people are even cooking with wood," he said.

In a statement, Titas said repeated faults in service lines have required frequent repairs, disrupting supply.

The company also cited damage to a major pipeline beneath the Turag River in the Aminbazar area after it was struck by the anchor of a cargo trawler. Although the line was repaired once, water seeped into the pipeline, necessitating further repairs.

Due to these issues, low gas pressure has persisted for several days in Uttara, Dakshinkhan, Uttarkhan, Abdullahpur, Tongi and Gazipur, according to Titas.

Meanwhile, the residents of Bashabo and Khilgaon said they have received no gas at all for the past three days, despite Titas describing the situation as 'low pressure'.

Farida Akhter, a resident of Madertek in Bashabo, said she has to wake up before dawn to cook. "There is no gas during the day. Even when a little comes in the afternoon, it's not enough to cook."

Tabassum Shimu from Khilgaon questioned the fairness of the situation. "The gas line has been problematic for a week. Even after paying our monthly bills, why should we sit without gas? Titas must answer this."

Similar complaints have emerged from Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur, Shyamoli and Adabar, where residents say gas supply has been completely cut off for nearly 20 hours.

Tahsin Jeba, a resident of Mohammadpur, said, "There has been no gas at all since last night. Even after noon today, it hasn't returned. LPG cylinders are being sold at higher prices."

In Dhanmondi's Jigatola area, Lipi Akhter highlighted the impact on working women. "We are in serious trouble. There's no gas before leaving for office, and none after returning. We are forced to buy food from outside for our families."

Titas later said a burst gas valve on Mirpur Road near Ganabhaban caused the disruption in several areas. Although a new valve has been installed, the company said it may take a few more hours for supply to normalise.

A Titas official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said multiple gas leakages across the city have worsened the crisis. "Back-to-back incidents, combined with already low pipeline pressure, have effectively halted gas supply in many areas."

Consumer rights group Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has sharply criticised Titas for continuing to charge full monthly bills despite prolonged supply disruptions.

Calling the practice 'reckless', CAB Energy Adviser Shamsul Alam told UNB, "Taking monthly bills without supplying gas is tantamount to stealing from citizens. This would not be acceptable in a civilised country. Titas earns an extra Tk2,000 crore from consumers every year, yet its service standard remains poor."

He also blamed the Energy Division for Titas' failure, noting that prepaid gas meters were supposed to be installed in 2015. "If prepaid meters were in place, consumers would only pay for what they actually use, and leakages could be detected easily."

Shamsul questioned why prepaid meters have not been implemented even after a decade, saying the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) must answer.

"The commission and the Energy Division cannot evade responsibility for the suffering caused by the gas crisis. Mere acknowledgment is not enough—consumers deserve compensation," he added.