Bangladesh has introduced drastic measures to conserve energy stocks after global price hikes due to the Middle East war, cutting office and shop hours and banning decorative lighting at weddings starting on Friday.
The country imports 95 percent of its oil and gas needs, mostly from the Middle East, and hopes to mitigate the effects of “unsecured” supply lines. About 60 percent of its electricity is generated using imported gas, while diesel is primarily used for farming in the region.
Fuel Conservation Efforts
Dhaka ordered all government, private offices and banks to shut an hour earlier each day starting Friday until further notice. The new office hours will be from 9 AM to 4 PM, while banks will remain open from 9 AM to 3 PM, as stated by top government secretary Nasimul Gani at a news briefing late Thursday.
Shopping centres, which normally stay open late, will now shut by 6 pm, although stores selling food supplies are expected to keep their usual hours. The government has also banned decorative lighting at weddings, which are known to be grand celebrations in Bangladesh, entertaining hundreds of guests at brightly decorated venues.
Additional Measures
The government has asked departments to refrain from purchasing vehicles and computers and to limit money being spent on hospitality costs for work events. Foreign training missions for government officials have also been suspended, while domestic training will be cut by half.
The measures are expected to reduce at least 30 percent of total fuel consumption, officials estimated. Schools and colleges could also see schedule changes as the government considers purchasing electric buses for student transport.
According to the World Bank, Bangladesh has been seeking loans of around $2 billion from multilateral donors to tackle energy worries. The country has also set limits on fuel purchases, halted production at most fertiliser factories, and deployed police to patrol filling stations that have recently been packed with motorists.
The government conducted around 5,000 raids and confiscated about 400,000 litres of illegally acquired fuel between March 3 and April 1, a spokesperson for the Fuel and Energy Division said.
The situation in Bangladesh serves as a reminder of the impact of global events on local economies and the importance of energy conservation. As the world continues to navigate the complexities of the Middle East war, it is likely that other countries will also be forced to take measures to conserve energy and reduce their reliance on imported fuels.
- Bangladesh imports 95% of its oil and gas needs
- 60% of its electricity is generated using imported gas
- The new measures are expected to reduce at least 30% of total fuel consumption
For more information on the current energy situation in Bangladesh, visit the International Energy Agency website.
