Bangladesh Ceramic Sector Struggles Amid Gas Shortages and Rising Costs
Bangladesh: The ceramic industry in Bangladesh is facing severe challenges due to a critical shortage and price hike of natural gas, essential for its operations. The Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers & Exporters' Association (BCMEA) reports that factories in Dhaka, Gazipur, and Narsingdi are experiencing significant production losses, estimated at 1.7 million USD daily. Despite a government promise of uninterrupted gas supply following a price increase from 0.11 to 0.26 USD per cubic meter, factories are receiving insufficient gas pressure, causing material wastage and production halts. This crisis threatens the sustainability of the industry, which meets over 90% of domestic demand and has seen Tk170 billion in investments. The situation is exacerbated by the depreciation of the Taka and rising costs of imported raw materials, putting the entire sector and its workforce at risk.
Source: Financial Express