Dhaka, Feb. 16 -- With Ramadan only a couple of days away, a sudden pipeline gas crisis has left many households in Dhaka anxious, compounding worries over the rising prices of essential commodities ahead of the holy month.

For Rahela Begum, a resident of Old Dhaka, the trouble began in her kitchen.

"I was preparing lunch for my son. After processing fish and vegetables, I found there was no gas in the stove. Gas did not come the whole day and I had to buy food from a hotel. I have no idea when gas will be available. I am worried if this continues during Ramadan," she said.

As Ramadan approaches, a time when kitchens remain busy from pre-dawn sehri to evening iftar, uncertainty over gas supply has deepened her concern.

Kohinur Begum f...