Bangladesh Imposes Early Curfews as Power Crisis Deepens

Bangladesh is grappling with a severe power crisis due to gas shortages and disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. The government has implemented electricity-saving measures, including closing shopping malls and markets by 8pm, an hour earlier than the previous deadline.

The new directive allows commercial establishments to operate only between 11am and 8pm. Illuminated billboards must be switched off by 7pm, while decorative lighting has been prohibited. Food shops, hospitals, and pharmacies have been exempted from the restrictions.

The gas crunch has pushed power cuts to 12 hours in some areas. Bangladesh's total gas supply fell to around 2,100 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd), against daily demand of about 3,800 mmcfd. The Excelerate terminal partially resumed operations on August 5 but has not returned to full capacity.