Since the start of the Ramadan month, Dhaka city dwellers have become witness to an unusual experience of no or very poor gas supply. Many households with gas pipelines have failed to cook meals or prepare iftar as they cannot use their gas burners. In most parts of the city, the pressure of gas is so low that it is not possible to cook. There is hardly any option other than buying iftar items from restaurants.
The gas crisis has added to the burden on low- and middle-income families as they have to buy overpriced foods from restaurants. Many people have already started using gas cylinders or kerosene stoves and electric rice-cookers. It is during the morning and evening when the gas supply is either low or unavailable. Consequently, there is an increased demand for gas cylinders, and prices of cylinders are skyrocketing. Those who cannot afford gas cylinders have started using earthen stoves. All of these ways cause too much of a hassle in the city life as well as increase the monthly expense of families.
This is the first time that the citizens of Dhaka are facing such a dire situation in the holy month of Ramadan. The authorities concerned must take effective measures to resolve the crisis as soon as possible.
Afroza Sheikh,
Dania, Dhaka,
ilcbd2008@gmail.com