- Bangladesh has issued an official notification dated August 12 stipulating that shopping malls, markets, and shops can operate only between 11 am and 8 pm, underlining the energy crisis the country is currently facing.
- The notification also states that all illuminated billboards must be switched off by 7 pm.
- The government has ordered that all ongoing and upcoming fairs, trade fairs, and cultural programmes across the country conclude by 8:00 pm.
- During a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, Bangladesh's Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood requested additional diesel supplies from India to help deal with ongoing power and gas shortages.
- India's MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed receiving the diesel request, which is being examined without commitment.
- Reports of vandalism, arson, and attacks on power officials have emerged as outages stretched to 9-10 hours in some areas.
- The LNG supply dropped by half after a fire incident on a terminal owned by US company Excelerate Energy last month, severely affecting electricity generation.
- The power supply from imported electricity has reduced, resulting in increased blackouts across the country.
- Bangladesh is facing a worsening power crisis, with several parts of the country witnessing power outages stretching to 9-10 hours.
Bangladesh is grappling with a severe energy crisis, prompting the government to enforce early closing times for shopping malls and markets. Under a new directive, these establishments must shut by 8 PM, while illuminated billboards are required to turn off by 7 PM.12
The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources issued the notification on August 12, highlighting the urgency of the situation as power outages have reached up to 10 hours in some areas. The government aims to conserve electricity amid a backdrop of dwindling supply, which has struggled to meet a demand of 18,000 MW against a supply of only 13,000 MW.
“The idea is to minimise the use of artificial light,” a senior government official stated, emphasizing that the measures are necessary as residential areas face prolonged power cuts.
The crisis has escalated due to a significant drop in LNG supply and reduced power imports, leading to widespread frustration among residents, some of whom have resorted to vandalism against electricity facilities.7
In response, the government has reached out to India for additional diesel supplies, with Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood confirming that a request has been made.4
“We have a pipeline with India through which diesel is supplied. We have asked them to provide more,” Mahmood said, as the country’s energy security hangs in the balance.
The situation has severely impacted sectors like agriculture and textiles, with shrimp farmers particularly affected by the power cuts.
“Whenever the power goes out for several hours, we become anxious,” said shrimp farmer Pabitra Roy, highlighting the dire consequences of the ongoing crisis.
“The power crunch has led to outages lasting 9-10 hours in some areas, with demand around 18,000 MW against supply struggling to reach 13,000 MW. Frustrated residents have attacked electricity facilities, prompting the Bangladesh Palli Bidyut Association to seek police security for grids and substations.”
News18
