Jamalpur Economic Zone Gas Delays Stall $200M Investment
Factory building in Jamalpur Economic Zone with an industrial gas meter box and LPG cylinders.
Key Highlights
Jamalpur Economic Zone investment stalls at $200M due to critical gas connection delays, impacting 32,000 potential jobs. One company secured gas out of 19.
The Jamalpur Economic Zone faces significant delays in industrial production due to a severe lack of gas connections. This energy crisis is stalling nearly $200 million in proposed investments and the creation of approximately 32,000 direct jobs.
Investment Stalled by Energy Crisis
Out of 19 industrial companies with proposed investments, only one has successfully secured a gas connection. Many factories have completed construction but are unable to commence operations.
- Proposed investments: Nearing $200 million.
- Companies with gas connections: One out of 19.
- Potential direct jobs: Approximately 32,000.
Some companies, like Swift Shield Bangladesh Limited, are considering expensive alternatives such as LPG cylinders for trial production to bypass the issue.
Official Response and Outlook
Officials from Titas Gas and the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources indicate that gas supply decisions are pending ministerial directives. Efforts are reportedly underway to increase national gas production.
Despite infrastructure being largely complete, the energy crisis remains the primary obstacle to investment and job creation in the zone.