Bangladesh faces 10-hour power cuts:Govt orders markets to shut by 8pm, seeks increased diesel supply from India amid crisis

Bangladesh’s power crisis is worsening, with several parts of the country facing daily power cuts of up to 8 to 10 hours. Rural areas outside the capital Dhaka have been the worst affected, with an intense heatwave adding to people’s difficulties. In a bid to conserve electricity, the government on Wednesday ordered shopping malls, markets and shops across the country to close by 8 PM. Trade fairs and cultural programmes will also have to conclude by 8 PM. Decorative lighting has been prohibited, while illuminated advertising boards must be switched off by 7 PM. Hospitals and medical stores have been exempted from the restrictions. Gas shortage cuts power generation by 1,500 MW The shortage of fuel, particularly natural gas, is being cited as the main reason behind the electricity crisis. Bangladesh imports more than 90% of its oil and around 30% of its gas from abroad. Two factors have aggravated the current situation. On July 21, a fire at an LNG terminal operated by US-based Excelerate Energy forced the facility to shut down. Although operations partially resumed earlier this week, LNG supplies had already fallen by around half. Bad weather at sea has further disrupted supplies. According to The Daily Star, at least two LNG vessels were unable to reach the terminal and unload their cargo because of rough weather. Electricity imports from other countries have also declined, contributing to an estimated 1,500 MW reduction in Bangladesh’s power generation. Rural areas bear the brunt While electricity supply in Dhaka is currently relatively stable, the situation remains difficult in rural areas. Bangladesh has six major electricity distribution companies, while around 80 rural electricity cooperatives supply power outside the capital. Mymensingh, Barishal, Rangpur, Sylhet, Rajshahi and Khulna are among the worst-affected regions. Most areas are reportedly experiencing three to five hours of power cuts every day, while residents in Khulna have complained of outages lasting up to 9 to 10 hours. Anger grows over repeated power cuts The prolonged outages have also triggered public anger. According to Dhaka Tribune, protesters in some areas have attacked power-related facilities. The Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) has sought police assistance to protect power grids, substations and electricity offices. It has asked local police stations to deploy personnel at key power facilities and conduct regular night patrols. Reports of vandalism and arson at power-related sites have also emerged from Saidpur, Nilphamari and Kushtia. Farmers, Shrimp industry and garment sector hit The crisis is affecting more than households. Agriculture, restaurants and factories are also facing disruptions. Farmers are increasingly relying on diesel generators, raising their operating costs. Shrimp farmers are particularly vulnerable because power cuts can shut down machines that pump oxygen into ponds. Lower oxygen levels can increase the risk of shrimp deaths. Bangladesh is one of the world’s major shrimp exporters, making the disruption a concern for the country’s aquaculture sector. The textile and garment industry, a key pillar of Bangladesh’s economy, is also facing the impact of unreliable electricity supplies. Shops ordered to close by 8 PM With no immediate relief in sight, the government has introduced measures aimed at reducing electricity consumption. Shopping malls, markets and shops must now close by 8 PM, while trade fairs and cultural events must also end by that time. Decorative lights have been banned and illuminated advertising boards must be switched off by 7 PM. Bangladesh had imposed similar restrictions earlier this year. In April, amid an escalating energy crisis, the government ordered shops and shopping malls to close by 6 PM. Bangladesh seeks additional diesel from India Amid the crisis, Bangladesh has asked India to increase its diesel supplies. Bangladesh Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud reportedly made the request during a meeting last week with Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi. Mahmud said Bangladesh receives diesel from India through a cross-border pipeline and has sought an increase in supplies. The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, launched in 2017, operates under a 15-year agreement under which India is to supply 1.80 lakh metric tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh annually. During the recent Middle East crisis, India had already supplied more than 30,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh in March and April. Fuel request comes amid strained India-Bangladesh ties Dhaka’s request for additional fuel comes amid strained relations with New Delhi. Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina travelled to India after leaving Bangladesh in 2024 and remains in the country. Her recent public address in Delhi, her first since leaving Bangladesh, further heightened tensions between the two countries. Despite the diplomatic strain, Bangladesh has turned to India for additional fuel supplies as it battles the worsening power crisis. Crisis highlights Bangladesh’s energy dependence The latest power shortage has once again exposed Bangladesh’s dependence on imported fuel, LNG and electricity. Disruptions in LNG supplies and reduced electricity imports have directly affected domestic power generation, while the resulting outages are disrupting households, agriculture and key industries. Additional diesel supplies from India could provide some short-term relief. However, the crisis has also highlighted how disruptions in overseas fuel supplies can quickly put pressure on Bangladesh’s entire power system.