Bangladesh closes universities and limits fuel sales amid a power crisis linked to the Iran-Israel war, rising oil prices, and disruptions to global energy supplies.
Bangladesh closes universities and limits fuel sales amid a power crisis [Photo: X]
Bangladesh has introduced emergency measures to deal with a growing energy crisis linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The government has ordered the closure of universities and placed limits on fuel sales as authorities attempt to reduce electricity use and control fuel demand.
Officials say the steps are necessary because Bangladesh depends heavily on imported energy, and the war involving Iran and Israel has disrupted global fuel supplies. Rising oil and gas prices have created uncertainty in energy markets, forcing governments in import-dependent countries to prepare for possible shortages.
By shutting universities and encouraging citizens to reduce fuel consumption, authorities hope to ease pressure on the national power system and maintain stability until global energy supplies improve.
Bangladesh is currently facing a serious power challenge as global energy disruptions begin to affect the country’s fuel supply. Electricity demand continues to grow, but shortages of gas and other energy resources are putting pressure on power generation.
The government has already taken steps to conserve electricity and reduce fuel consumption across several sectors. Officials believe that temporary closures and energy-saving measures could help prevent widespread outages.
Energy experts say the country’s reliance on imported fuel makes it vulnerable whenever global markets face sudden disruptions or price increases.
The main reason behind the power crisis is Bangladesh’s heavy dependence on imported energy. The country imports nearly 95 per cent of its fuel needs, including oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and coal.
When international supply chains face disruption or prices rise sharply, Bangladesh must pay more for fuel imports. This can strain government budgets and limit the amount of fuel available for power plants.
At the same time, electricity demand has increased due to population growth, industrial expansion, and urban development. These factors have created a situation where the energy supply struggles to keep up with rising consumption.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created instability in global energy markets. The region plays a major role in oil and gas production, and any disruption can quickly affect international fuel supplies.
As tensions escalated, energy prices surged, and supply routes faced uncertainty. Countries that rely heavily on imported energy, such as Bangladesh, began preparing for possible shortages.
The war has also raised concerns about disruptions to major shipping routes used for transporting oil and gas. Higher fuel costs and delayed shipments have added pressure on Bangladesh’s energy sector.
To reduce electricity consumption during the energy crisis, the government has ordered several temporary closures across the country. These include:
These steps form part of a broader national energy-saving campaign to reduce pressure on the power grid.
While several institutions have been closed, essential services across the country continue to operate normally. These include:
Bangladesh’s electricity demand has increased significantly over the past decade as the economy expanded and urban populations grew. Industries, businesses, and residential areas all require large amounts of power.
Power consumption typically rises during warmer months when air-conditioning and cooling systems operate continuously. This increase in demand makes the power system more vulnerable when fuel supplies become limited.
By introducing temporary energy-saving measures, officials aim to keep electricity demand within manageable limits.
Most schools in Bangladesh are currently closed due to the Ramadan holiday schedule. However, the government’s recent directive has extended closures to universities and other higher-education institutions.
These steps are part of the country’s broader strategy to reduce electricity usage and manage the energy crisis.
Authorities have not announced a fixed date for reopening universities. Officials say institutions will remain closed at least until the Eid holidays end. The government will review the energy situation before deciding whether academic activities can resume normally.
Bangladesh relies heavily on imported energy to meet its electricity needs. The country imports fuel and power from several international sources to support its growing demand.
Bangladesh has significantly expanded its electricity generation system over the past decade to meet rising demand. The country currently has more than 150 power plants operating across different regions. These include gas-based, coal-based, oil-based, and renewable energy plants.
Natural gas remains the largest source of electricity generation in Bangladesh. Several large coal-fired power projects and LNG-based plants have been added in recent years to increase capacity. Bangladesh’s total installed power generation capacity exceeds 25,000 megawatts, although actual generation often depends on fuel availability.
The government is also investing in solar and renewable energy projects to diversify its energy mix in the future.
Bangladesh has significantly expanded its electricity generation capacity over the past decade by building new power plants and increasing grid connectivity.
However, the actual electricity supply often depends on the availability of fuel such as natural gas, coal, and imported LNG. When fuel supplies become limited, power plants cannot operate at full capacity.
This makes energy supply stability a major concern during global market disruptions.
Bangladesh’s energy policy focuses on diversifying fuel sources, expanding power generation, and reducing reliance on a single type of energy. The government has invested in LNG imports, renewable energy projects, and regional power cooperation.
At the same time, authorities encourage energy conservation during periods of supply pressure. Temporary measures such as fuel rationing and institutional closures help reduce demand while policymakers work on long-term solutions to strengthen the country’s energy security.
