Jalalabad: Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution System Limited (JGTDSL) has been recognized as the most efficient gas provider, achieving the lowest system loss in the past 11 months, while Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Plc has been ranked lowest in the Petrobangla index during the same period.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla), Titas Gas faced an average system loss of 9.36 percent over the 11 months ending in November 2025, whereas Jalalabad Gas reported a significantly lower figure of 0.65 percent. Petrobangla’s reports also indicate that Sundarban Gas Company Limited (SGCL) experienced an average system loss of 1.25 percent, Paschimanchal Gas Company Limited (PGCL) 1.35 percent, Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL) 2.69 percent, and Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company Limited (BGDCL) 8.08 percent. The Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL), responsible for high-pressure transmission, reported a system loss of 1.38 percent.
International standards suggest that the maximum acceptable gas loss in distribution lines is between 0.20 to 0.30 percent. An official from Petrobangla, requesting anonymity, stated to BSS that several initiatives have been undertaken to bring system loss to a more tolerable level. Measures such as installing gas meters to accurately measure system loss at distribution and transmission points have been implemented.
A resident of Mirpur in the capital expressed concerns that the government incurs substantial revenue losses annually due to system inefficiencies. Jalal Ahmed, chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), emphasized the need to reduce system loss further. He mentioned that BERC allows a two percent technical loss for Titas Gas due to its extensive network, and exceeding this limit is unacceptable.
Petrobangla’s deputy general manager, Tariqul Islam Khan, highlighted that system loss occurs due to various reasons, including an old pipeline network, technical issues, and theft. He noted that gas is transported from the gas field to distribution companies through transmission lines, reaching consumers via distribution lines operated by six companies. Khan also mentioned ongoing mobile court operations targeting illegal connections and meter tampering.
Experts have suggested that reducing gas wastage could relieve the pressure on importing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) amid the current dollar crisis. Allegations of significant gas theft through illegal connections and meter tampering have been made, and industries as well as household users have expressed frustration over insufficient supplies due to unacceptable system loss.
A Petrobangla officer, speaking anonymously, noted that the average gas system loss for the 2023-24 fiscal year was 8.43 percent. An expert from a distribution company stated that Titas and Bakhrabad Gas faced significant daily losses due to vested interests.
Petrobangla sources reported that the country’s 24-hour gas production from 8 am on January 3, 2026, to 8 am the next day, including LNG, was 2,635.5 mmcfd against a demand of 3,800 mmcfd. Titas Gas officials, however, have intensified campaigns against illegal connections. Managing Director Shahnewaz Parvez mentioned that the state-run company is preparing a roadmap to reduce system loss gradually, aiming to lower it to 5 to 7 percent.
Titas officials have argued that system loss is not solely due to corruption and inefficiency, attributing it partly to leaks in old pipeline networks. A tender process is currently underway to repair these pipelines, according to a Titas official who preferred to remain anonymous.