Bangladesh, Aug. 21 -- The prevailing gas shortage across major industrial hubs has severely hit Bangladesh's knitwear sector like many other industries, crippling core dyeing and finishing operations, as well as threatening timely export deliveries, industry people say.

With low gas pressure disabling boilers crucial for fabrics colouring and steam pressing, apparel manufacturers face growing friction with international buyers, who are now demanding costly air shipments to prevent seasonal stock delays, they add.

The crisis has left dyeing boilers and high-pressure steam irons starved for energy.

As a result, factory output in key apparel hubs, mostly in Narayanganj and Ashulia, has dropped by 30 to 50 per cent.

Unlike sewing operat...