Bangladesh has imposed strict curbs on commercial activities, directing shopping malls, markets, and shops to close by 8 pm to conserve energy amid a deepening power crisis. The government has ordered these establishments to operate only between 11 am and 8 pm, with hospitals, pharmacies, and food-related businesses exempted from the restrictions. The move comes as the country faces one of its worst energy shortages in years, driven primarily by a severe shortage of natural gas, which has crippled electricity generation. The crisis has escalated rapidly, with power outages lasting up to 9-10 hours in rural areas outside the capital, Dhaka. The situation has worsened due to disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, partly caused by a fire at an LNG terminal operated by US-based Excelerate Energy in July. The facility remained closed for weeks before partial operations resumed earlier this week. Additionally, adverse weather conditions have prevented two LNG vessels from offloading their cargo at Bangladeshi ports. These factors have contributed to a sharp decline in electricity supply, with current output hovering around 13,000 MW against a demand of approximately 18,000 MW. To address the growing shortfall, the Bangladesh government has sought assistance from India, requesting additional diesel supplies through an existing cross-border pipeline. The Indian High Commissioner, Dinesh Trivedi, recently held discussions with Bangladesh’s Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. During the talks, Mahmood emphasized the urgent need for more diesel to support gas-fired power generation, which has been heavily impacted by the fuel shortage. The energy minister noted that India, as a neighboring country, shares common interests with Bangladesh in addressing the crisis. He stated that the diesel supply via the existing pipeline is critical to managing the current power and gas shortages. However, the exact terms of the agreement remain unclear, with no official announcement yet regarding the volume or timing of the additional shipments. The power crisis has triggered unrest in some areas, with reports of vandalism and attacks on electricity infrastructure. Local authorities have been called upon to provide security for power stations, substations, and other critical facilities. In some regions, officials have faced threats and hostility from residents frustrated by prolonged outages. These incidents highlight the severity of the situation and the increasing strain on both the population and the energy sector. Farmers, businesses, and industries have all been significantly affected by the power cuts. Agricultural operations, especially shrimp farming, have suffered due to frequent interruptions in power supply, which disrupts essential processes such as aeration. Restaurants and small-scale industries have also experienced operational challenges, forcing some to rely on costly alternatives like diesel generators. The economic impact of the crisis is expected to be substantial, with broader implications for daily life and productivity. The Iranian conflict has further complicated the energy landscape, contributing to global market instability and rising costs for fuels and LNG. This has exacerbated the already dire situation in Bangladesh, where the reliance on imported resources makes the nation highly vulnerable to external shocks. As the crisis continues, the government is under pressure to implement immediate solutions while exploring long-term strategies to enhance energy security. With the situation evolving rapidly, the coming days will likely see continued efforts to secure additional fuel supplies and stabilize the power grid. The outcome of the India-Bangladesh collaboration will play a crucial role in determining how effectively the country can navigate this challenging period. For now, the focus remains on mitigating the immediate effects of the power crisis and restoring normalcy to daily life.
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