Gas Supply in Bangladesh
Natural gas has historically been Bangladesh's primary energy source, but declining domestic production has led to restrictions on new connections, particularly for industrial use. Understanding the current gas supply landscape is essential for building and facility planning.
Gas Distribution Companies
| Company | Area | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Titas Gas | Dhaka, Mymensingh, Narayanganj, Gazipur | titasgas.org.bd |
| Bakhrabad Gas | Comilla, Noakhali, Chandpur | bgdcl.org.bd |
| Jalalabad Gas | Sylhet | jgtdsl.org.bd |
| Karnaphuli Gas | Chittagong | kgdcl.org.bd |
| Sundarban Gas | Khulna, Barisal | sgdcl.org.bd |
| Pashchimanchal Gas | Rajshahi | pgcl.org.bd |
Current Status: New Connection Restrictions
- Industrial: New industrial gas connections are largely suspended/restricted due to supply constraints. LNG import has not fully compensated for declining domestic production.
- Commercial: New commercial connections are restricted in many areas. Priority given to existing connections.
- Residential: New residential connections have been restricted in recent years. Pre-paid metering being introduced.
- Pressure issues: Even existing connections face low-pressure supply, particularly during winter (peak demand season).
- Alternative: LPG (cylinder or bulk) is increasingly the practical alternative for new installations.
Connection Process (Where Available)
| Step | Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application to gas distribution company with premises details, load estimate | Day 1 |
| 2 | Feasibility assessment by gas company | 2-4 weeks |
| 3 | Demand note issued with connection cost | 1-2 weeks |
| 4 | Payment of connection charges | As per demand |
| 5 | Pipeline installation and meter fitting | 4-12 weeks |
| 6 | Inspection and commissioning | 1-2 weeks |
Note: Feasibility depends on available supply. Many applications are waitlisted or rejected due to supply constraints.
LPG as Alternative
| Option | Suitable For | Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder LPG | Small offices, canteens, residential | No installation — cylinder replacement |
| Bulk LPG (tank) | Large kitchens, hotels, factories without piped gas | Storage tank + pipeline installation by LPG company |
| LPG reticulation | Multi-unit buildings (apartments, commercial) | Central storage + distribution to each unit via pipeline |
Gas Safety Requirements
- Approved fittings: All gas connections, valves, and regulators must be approved type
- Ventilation: Gas-using areas must have adequate ventilation — minimum 2 air changes per hour
- Leak detection: Gas leak detector recommended in kitchen/gas-using areas
- Isolation valves: Emergency shut-off valve accessible at gas entry point
- No gas in basements: Gas supply to basement areas requires special precautions (heavier-than-air gas accumulates)
- Regular inspection: Annual inspection of gas fittings, connections, and flexible hoses
- Emergency procedure: Written gas leak response procedure — shut off, ventilate, evacuate, no ignition sources, call gas company
References
- Titas Gas T&D Company
- Gas Act 2010 (Bangladesh)
- BERC (Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission) regulations
- NFPA 54 — National Fuel Gas Code
Insights & Guidance
- New industrial and commercial gas connections are largely restricted due to supply constraints — LPG is the practical alternative.
- Even existing connections face low-pressure issues, especially in winter peak demand.
- LPG options: cylinder (small), bulk tank (large), reticulation (multi-unit buildings).
- Gas safety essentials: approved fittings, ventilation, leak detection, isolation valve, no gas in basements without special precautions.
- Annual inspection of gas fittings and connections is essential.
Gas supply constraints are a significant operational factor for buildings in Bangladesh. New facilities cannot assume piped gas availability. LPG planning, safety provisions, and gas leak response procedures are essential components of building safety management.
- Gas leak in enclosed space — accumulation leading to explosion.
- Improvised connections — unapproved fittings or flexible hoses creating leak points.
- No isolation valve — cannot shut off gas supply in emergency.
- Gas connection agreement (if piped)
- LPG supply contract and safety certificate (if bulk)
- Annual gas fitting inspection record
- Gas leak response procedure
- Are gas connections using approved fittings?
- Is there an accessible emergency shut-off valve?
- Is the gas-using area adequately ventilated?
- Is gas supply piped or LPG? What is the supply arrangement?
- Is there a gas leak detection system?
- What is the emergency gas shut-off procedure?
- Gas installation — licensed gas fitter for piped gas or LPG reticulation.
- LPG bulk system — LPG company engineering team for tank sizing and installation.