Bangladesh Cuts Power Use Amid Gas Shortages and Iran Crisis

Bangladesh has implemented stricter electricity-saving measures to cope with gas shortages and power cuts. The government directive, which took effect on August 13, requires shops, markets, and shopping malls to close by 8pm local time, one hour earlier than previously.

Commercial establishments are now permitted to operate only between 11am and 8pm, while hospitals, pharmacies, and food-related businesses are exempt from the restrictions. The move aims to reduce power consumption during peak hours and mitigate the impact of gas shortages on electricity generation.

The natural gas shortages have reduced electricity generation, leaving the national grid facing a shortfall of several hundred megawatts during peak hours and triggering load-shedding in different parts of the country. Bangladesh's reliance on imported LNG has increased due to declining domestic gas production, making it vulnerable to supply disruptions and rising import costs.