Urban life amid gas crisis

The absence of gas for cooking causes serious problems for thousands of people every day. In addition to interfering with day-to-day activities, this issue has wider economical effects. Inadequate pipelines, irregular maintenance, and a lack of gas supply are the main reasons behind the gas crisis. Petrol demand continues to grow in homes, businesses, and the transportation sector.

The gas problem has gotten severe in big cities like Chattogram and Dhaka. Cooking activities have completely stopped in multiple areas due to almost nonexistent gas supplies in the morning and evening over the previous few weeks. As the demand for petrol rises in the winter, the problem gets worse. Among those most impacted are those who work in offices and children who attend school. In addition, using LPG cylinders forces many families to pay additional expenses, placing a financial burden on those with low or middle-incomes.

Residents are forced to use alternative energy sources like firewood as a consequence of this situation. Inadequate planning for petrol imports and supply management has made matters more difficult. Public dissatisfaction is rising as a result of implementation delays, despite government agencies' announcements of an increase in LNG imports.

The government must act quickly and decisively to reduce the gas crisis's negative effects on people's lives. A long-term strategy to boost domestic production is crucial in addition to LNG imports. Effective oversight is also required to combat corruption and inconsistencies in the gas delivery system. It's also critical to provide the people with affordable fuel alternatives.

The government is not the only entity responsible for finding a solution to the gas crisis; citizens also have a part in it. This problem can be solved with a mix of appropriate policies and concerted efforts. To solve the situation, the public and the government must step forward. If it is resolved, it will have a significant impact on the nation's overall development in addition to raising inhabitants' quality of life.

Purnasri Debnath

Gopibagh, Dhaka

[email protected]