A severe gas shortage is forcing factories in Narsingdi to shut down one after another, leaving crores of taka worth of chemically processed fabric to rot. Factory owners estimate that losses from the crisis have reached around Tk 100 crore in the past month.

In Madhabdi, several dyeing and printing factories have been forced to halt production. Sarees, three-piece fabrics, gauze cloth and bedsheet materials that had already been treated with chemicals are reportedly rotting on factory floors, creating a strong stench.

Factory workers said chemically treated grey fabric must normally be processed within about 16 hours. However, some factories have experienced gas pressure of zero PSI for three to four consecutive days, leaving machinery completely idle.

Shihabul Islam, production manager at Tithi Textile in Madhabdi, said around 200,000–250,000 yards of chemically treated fabric have already been damaged. He said some international buyers have begun cancelling orders, while the factory is also struggling to pay workers.

The maintenance manager of Tithi Textile said another 200,000–300,000 yards of fabric had been damaged and could no longer be used. He said the company could also face compensation claims from buyers.

The crisis has also forced other factories to suspend operations. Ataur Rahman Mithu, owner of Bhai Bhai Sizing Mill in Chouala, said the factory had sent workers on indefinite leave because there was no gas to run the machinery.

Rashedul Hasan Rintu, president of the Narsingdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said factories were unable to maintain production even through alternative methods. He warned that the district’s industrial sector was approaching a serious crisis.

Abdullah Al Mamun, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), said gas is being prioritized for the Ghorashal-Palash Urea Fertilizer Factory, leaving industries with insufficient supply. He called for a balanced distribution of gas to protect industrial production and employment.

Industrialists said more than 300 gas-dependent factories operate in Narsingdi and warned that continued shortages could cause further losses and job cuts. They also said the district supplies around 70% of the country’s fabric demand.

According to industry owners, around 10 million yards of fabric worth approximately Tk 100 crore have been damaged in Narsingdi’s dyeing and printing factories over the past month.

Titas Gas Narsingdi manager engineer Maksudur Rahman said the Ghorashal-Palash Urea Fertilizer Factory is currently receiving gas on a priority basis at 200 pressure under government instructions. The remaining supply is distributed among CNG stations, factories and households.

He expressed hope that the gas shortage would be resolved soon.