National Grid Disruption, Gas Crisis Hits Feni Again, Public Life Paralyzed.

Jahangir Alam, ​Staff Reporter. ​A sudden halt in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supply to the national grid has plunged Feni into a severe gas crisis once again. Marking the second disruption within just a week, the deficit has brought the district’s social and economic activities to a near standstill. ​Since Wednesday afternoon, the shortage has hit the transport sector hard, halted industrial production, and left thousands of household burners unlit, causing immense suffering to residents. ​Supply Drops to Half of Demand ​According to sources at the Feni office of Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company Limited (BGDCL), the daily gas demand for the Feni, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur regions is approximately 28 million cubic feet (MMCFD). However, the region is currently receiving only 12 to 14 MMCFD from the national grid—less than half of what is required. ​The crisis has directly impacted nearly 25,000 residential consumers across the district, including 19,000 in Feni town alone, leaving many households unable to cook. Additionally, operations at 12 CNG filling stations, 29 industrial units, and 7 captive power plants have been severely disrupted. SectorCurrent Impact Residential Consumers (25,000)Unlit stoves have halted cooking; residents are forced to buy LPG cylinders at high prices. Public Transport & CNG (12 Stations)Vehicles wait in long queues for hours with no gas; public transport on roads has dropped significantly. Industrial Units (29) & Power PlantsLow gas pressure has caused a major slump in manufacturing and operations. Commuters and Households Face Hardships ​Visits to several key points in the town, including the Nojir Ahmed and Star Line filling stations, revealed long queues of CNG-run auto-rickshaws and public transport waiting endlessly, only to return empty-handed. ​Bipul Sharma, Manager of Star Line Filling Station, said: ​"Against our daily demand of 11,000–12,000 cubic feet across three stations, the supply has been completely cut off since Wednesday afternoon. It may take a few more days for the situation to normalize." ​CNG drivers Shahidul Islam and Abdul Khalek expressed deep frustration, stating that the sudden shutdown without prior notice left them unable to run their vehicles. As a result, earning their daily daily wage and supporting their families has become nearly impossible. ​Meanwhile, commuters complained that transport workers are taking advantage of the vehicle shortage by charging exorbitant fares. Rabiul Islam, a pedestrian, alleged that drivers are demanding up to double the regular fare. On the other hand, residents stranded at home are being forced to buy LPG cylinders at inflated market rates to keep their kitchens running. ​Authority's Response ​Addressing the issue, Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company Limited (BGDCL) issued an emergency notice stating that a technical fault at a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) has caused a significant drop in national gas supply. This has directly affected BGDCL’s coverage areas, including Comilla, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, and Chandpur. ​Expressing sincere regret for the unexpected temporary inconvenience, the authorities assured that repair work on the technical glitch is underway at full speed, though it may take a few days for the supply to return to normal.