Bangladesh is facing a deepening gas crisis, forcing the shutdown of five out of six urea fertiliser factories and raising concerns over agricultural supply and energy security.
Officials from the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation confirmed that production has been suspended at most state-run fertiliser plants due to insufficient gas supply, with only Shahjalal Fertiliser Company Limited currently operating.
The disruption follows mounting pressure on global energy markets triggered by tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and gas shipments. The situation has tightened fuel availability and affected import-dependent economies such as Bangladesh.
Authorities initially ordered a temporary shutdown of fertiliser factories in early March for around 15 days as a precautionary measure. However, operations have yet to resume after nearly a month due to the continuing gas shortage.
Officials said the closures were necessary to prioritise gas allocation for power generation and other critical sectors amid supply constraints.
Under the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation, major fertiliser facilities affected include Ghorashal Polash Fertiliser Public Limited Company, Chittagong Urea Fertiliser Factory Limited, Jamuna Fertiliser Company Limited, and Ashuganj Fertiliser and Chemical Company Limited.
In addition to the state-run plants, the privately operated Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited has also suspended production due to the gas supply shortage.
Industry officials warned that prolonged shutdowns could impact fertiliser availability for the agricultural sector, particularly during key planting periods, potentially affecting crop output and food supply chains.
The situation highlights Bangladesh’s vulnerability to global energy shocks, as disruptions in international fuel markets continue to influence domestic gas supply and industrial operations.
Officials said fertiliser production will resume gradually once gas supply stabilises, but uncertainty remains over the timeline as geopolitical tensions continue to affect global energy flows.
