Chattogram: Gas supply to major parts of the port city remained suspended since Sunday morning after a leakage developed in the gas pipeline at Halisahar, causing huge sufferings to the city dwellers, reports the UNB.

The authorities halted gas supply to some parts of the city on Saturday evening after a leak developed in gas pipeline and gas started leaking out in huge volume at Akmal Ali road in Halishahar area during the dredging of a canal by City Corporation workers, according to Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL) authorities.

Later, gas supply to most of the areas, including Agrabad, Bandar, Patenga, two major Export Processing Zones, filling stations, power plants and hotels and restaurants, was suspended for the repair work of the gas pipeline.

The city dwellers are now facing utmost difficulties as they could not cook their food at home and they even could not buy food from hotels and restaurants as those remained closed for not having gas supply.

Anjuman Ara, a housewife of Halishahar area, said now they are depending on snacks as there is no alternative arrangement to cook food in their houses.

Rajib, a hotel businessman of Kazirdeuri area in the city, said they are making only light food using firewood amid the gas crisis.

Long queues were seen in front of different hotels and restaurants as the demand for cooked food is growing with the passage of time, he said.

KGDCL (Engineering) Director General Sarwar Hossain said repair work on the gas pipe line is underway to restore the gas supply. It might take more time as the leaked pipeline is situated 12 feet under the ground. 

KGDCL official Jashim Uddin said the gas supply is expected to resume after 8 pm if the repair work is finished by the afternoon.