Bangladesh Business Leaders Urge Emergency Measures to Address Energy Crisis

Business leaders in Bangladesh have called for emergency measures to address the country's ongoing energy crisis. They recommend bringing idle power plants that run on coal, furnace oil, and diesel back into operation as a short-term solution. This would help reduce pressure on gas supplies used for electricity generation and allow more gas to be diverted to manufacturing units.

The proposal is aimed at mitigating the immediate effects of the energy crisis, which has been triggered by disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries from the Middle East due to the US-Israeli war on Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route, has also been affected.

According to Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, president of the Bangladesh Employers' Federation, factories are currently running at only 30-40% capacity due to frequent power outages. He noted that the actual gas pressure allocated is 15 PSI, but factories are receiving as little as 1 PSI, making it difficult for them to operate.

Shamim emphasized the need for a clear short, medium, and long-term energy plan so businesses can make informed decisions. He also called for immediate restoration of energy supplies rather than waiting for a permanent solution.