Bangladesh Struggles with Energy Crisis Amid War-Driven Fuel Shortages

Three months into its tenure, Bangladesh's new government has made little headway in addressing the country's long-standing energy crisis. The war in the Middle East, which began just 10 days after the government took office, has exacerbated the situation, with gas shortages and severe power outages becoming increasingly common.

The government acknowledges that it is not responsible for the crisis, which has been brewing for over a decade and a half. However, critics argue that its slow response has contributed to the worsening situation. Despite some initiatives, including tenders for oil and gas exploration at sea, work on constructing new refineries with twice the current capacity, and plans for floating LNG terminals, progress remains sluggish.

The government's reliance on imports, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG), has been criticized as a short-term solution. Daily gas production in the country has decreased by over 150 million cubic feet every year, and the daily demand is now 3.8 billion cubic feet, compared to only 1.63 billion cubic feet being produced.

The state minister for power, energy, and mineral resources, Aninda Islam Amit, attributes the challenges to the global energy crisis, stating that 'the entire world has struggled with the energy crisis.' He also claims that the government has taken necessary steps within the six-month timeframe, including inviting tenders for oil and gas exploration at sea.