The Ghorashal-Palash Urea Fertiliser Factory, a key player in Southeast Asia’s fertilizer industry, has ceased operations due to a significant gas shortage in Bangladesh. The plant’s Project Director, Saidur Rahman, confirmed the suspension on Friday, March 6, 2026, noting that the facility, along with several others nationwide, has been closed since Wednesday.
The Polash plant boasts a daily production capacity of 2,840 metric tons, and the shutdown is currently affecting the production of approximately 2,800 metric tons each day. The factory’s production process is heavily reliant on a continuous gas supply, requiring a daily gas pressure of 71–72 PSI to operate optimally. However, operations can continue at a reduced rate if the pressure remains between 52–53 PSI.
Currently, the factory’s warehouse holds 525,000 metric tons of fertilizer. The temporary closure is anticipated to impact the fertilizer supply chain significantly, potentially leading to shortages in the coming weeks unless the gas supply is restored promptly.
Historically, the Ghorashal-Palash facility has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s agricultural sector, contributing to the nation’s food security. The current gas shortage highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to energy supply issues, underscoring the need for strategic resource management.
Looking ahead, the government and industry stakeholders are expected to prioritize resolving the gas supply issues to mitigate potential economic impacts. A swift resolution is critical to ensure the continuity of fertilizer production and support the agricultural sector’s stability.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 6, 2026
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