Bangladesh’s worsening gas and electricity shortages are pushing up the cost of food, transport, household goods and construction materials, putting further pressure on consumers and businesses.
Prices of essential items have risen sharply in recent weeks. Loose soybean oil is now selling for Tk190-195 per litre, compared with the government-fixed price of Tk180. Sugar has climbed to Tk130 per kg, while lentils, flour, powdered milk and polao rice have also become more expensive.
Consumers are also paying more for eggs and chicken. A dozen eggs now costs Tk145-150, up from around Tk130, while broiler chicken has risen to about Tk200 per kg. Poultry farmers say frequent power cuts, high diesel costs and heat-related deaths are increasing production expenses.
Transport costs have also increased. CNG drivers report spending hours waiting for gas and operating for only six or seven hours a day. As a result, some drivers are charging higher fares to cover rising costs and reduced working hours.
Manufacturers are facing similar pressure. Load shedding and low gas pressure are forcing factories to reduce production or temporarily shut down. Some companies are responding by increasing prices, while others are reducing package sizes without lowering prices.
The construction sector is also suffering. More than 900 textile mills have reportedly suspended operations, while steel, cement, paper, ceramic and garment factories are operating below capacity. Steelmakers say they are currently losing Tk4,000-5,000 per tonne of rod, while cement producers estimate production costs have risen by at least 10%.
The energy crisis intensified after an Excelerate Energy-operated floating LNG terminal at Moheshkhali was damaged by a fire in late July and remained out of operation for weeks.
With factories producing less while continuing to bear energy and other operating costs, businesses are absorbing mounting losses or passing them on to consumers. The result is a shrinking household budget and rising economic pressure across multiple sectors.
