New Delhi: Bangladesh is facing one of its worst energy crises in years, with a severe natural gas shortage disrupting electricity generation across the
country. To conserve power, the government has ordered shops, markets and shopping malls to close by 8 pm. Amid the worsening crisis, Bangladesh has turned to India for additional fuel supplies.
Markets ordered to shut early
Under a new government order that came into effect on Thursday, shops, markets and shopping malls must close by 8 pm, Reuters reported. Commercial establishments will now be permitted to operate only between 11 am and 8 pm. However, hospitals, pharmacies and food businesses have been exempted from the early closure order.
Bangladesh seeks India’s help
As the energy crisis worsens, Bangladesh is seeking additional diesel supplies from India to tackle the shortage of fuel and electricity. Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi met Bangladesh’s Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood to discuss greater cooperation in the energy sector.
“High Commissioner Trivedi paid a courtesy call on Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood,” the Indian High Commission said in a post on X.
The two sides “exchanged views on further strengthening India-Bangladesh cooperation in the power and energy sectors,” it added.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mahmood said the fuel shortage had directly affected electricity generation, resulting in frequent power cuts across the country. “We have a pipeline with India through which diesel is supplied. We have asked them to provide more,” he said, according to PTI.
Mahmood added that securing additional diesel through the existing cross-border pipeline was necessary to manage the country’s fuel and power shortages. “India is our neighbouring country, so we have many areas of mutual interest, and those issues were discussed,” he added.
Global tensions worsen shortage
The shortage of natural gas has prevented power plants from generating sufficient electricity, leaving the national grid short of several hundred megawatts during peak hours. The shortfall has led to scheduled power cuts across Bangladesh, Reuters reported. The crisis has been further aggravated by tensions involving Iran, which have disrupted global energy markets and driven up the prices of fuel and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Curated by: Ramansh Dhadwal
