Bangladesh is grappling with an unprecedented energy crisis that threatens to disrupt daily life and hinder the nation's economic progress. As the demand for electricity continues to rise-especially during the scorching summer months, Ramadan, and the crucial IRRI-Boro irrigation season, government efforts to introduce energy rationing, impose consumption bans, and issue stern warnings have only offered temporary relief, without providing a foolproof solution to the ongoing issue. While the urgency of the situation is palpable, the underlying causes of the electricity shortage-such as a gas supply deficit, outdated infrastructure, and the ongoing dollar crisis-remain significant barriers to any long-term remedy.
In fact, the power crisis has reached a critical juncture. With electricity demand expected to surge in the coming months, particularly during peak periods including Ramadan and the sultry summer (Falgun-Chaitra), the country's already overstretched power grid is under immense pressure. The government is bracing for an energy shortfall and has introduced several measures to tackle the growing crisis. These measures include energy rationing, a ban on non-essential electricity consumption, and stern warnings against those who fail to comply with the new regulations.
Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan has asserted, "No organisation, institution, or individual will be allowed to operate air conditioners at temperatures lower than 25°C in the summer." This is just one of many initiatives aimed at curbing energy consumption during peak periods. The government is also considering reallocating gas from fertiliser factories to power plants in an effort to boost electricity generation during these critical seasons.
However, while these measures are necessary, they are not without significant challenges. Power consumption is anticipated to rise dramatically in the coming months. According to the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), the surge in demand is expected to be particularly acute during Ramadan, with consumption predicted to increase by over 4,000 megawatts (MW), pushing peak-time electricity demand to 16,000 MW. This represents a stark rise from the current generation level of around 9,000 MW, which is already insufficient to meet the country's needs during high-demand periods.
The primary cause of Bangladesh's energy woes lies in its inadequate supply of natural gas, the main fuel for many of the nation's power plants. The domestic gas supply has been unable to keep up with the demand, creating a major shortfall. Daily gas demand in Bangladesh is estimated at about 3.8 billion cubic feet (bcf), yet the country can currently supply only about 3.8 bcf, often falling short of the required amount. This discrepancy is set to worsen as the extreme summer approaches, with increased demand for electricity to power cooling systems, as well as for cooking and irrigation.
The country's reliance on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) to fill the gap has not been without complications. Petrobangla, the state-owned oil and gas corporation, is struggling to secure sufficient foreign currency to pay for LNG imports, exacerbating the energy crisis. Currently, the country imports around 1,800 million cubic feet (mmcf) of gas per day, but the demand is projected to rise sharply during the summer months to 5,000 mmcf per day. With both domestic and imported gas in short supply, power plants are operating at reduced capacity and cannot meet the escalating demand for electricity.
The government has called for an increase in local gas production, but this has proven difficult due to rapidly depleting gas fields. Furthermore, the high cost of LNG imports has placed an immense strain on the country's foreign currency reserves, exacerbating the ongoing dollar crisis. To make matters worse, the current administration has been unable to secure the necessary funds to import the required fuels, leaving the country facing an uncertain and difficult energy future.
In response to these challenges, the government has turned to electricity rationing, prioritising the power and industrial sectors. While this step is essential, it highlights the severe limitations of the country's energy infrastructure. The government has also requested Tk 8,000 crore from the finance division to import primary fuels, but there has been little indication that these funds will materialise. As a result, Bangladesh is on course to face a difficult and unpredictable energy future.
The energy crisis in Bangladesh is not a new phenomenon. Since the country's independence in 1971, the energy sector has struggled to meet the growing demand for electricity. Rapid industrialisation, an expanding population, and urbanisation have all contributed to the rising demand for power. Successive governments have failed to develop adequate infrastructure to meet that demand.
Historically, Bangladesh relied heavily on domestic natural gas reserves for power generation, but these reserves are now depleting at an alarming rate. In recent years, the government has attempted to diversify its energy mix by importing LNG and exploring renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. However, these efforts have been hampered by a lack of infrastructure, political instability, and ongoing financial constraints.
In the years following independence, Bangladesh's natural gas reserves were abundant, but production has not kept pace with increasing demand. As a result, the country has been forced to ration electricity and impose restrictions on non-essential power usage. These measures, while necessary, have not provided a permanent solution to the nation's energy crisis.
The Power System Master Plan (PSMP) of Bangladesh, developed in 2016 by the Power Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, offers a roadmap for addressing the country's long-term energy needs. The plan outlines strategies to expand electricity generation capacity, diversify the energy mix, and improve the reliability and efficiency of the power sector. One of the key goals of the PSMP is to achieve a generation capacity of 40,000 MW by 2030. The plan also aims to reduce reliance on natural gas by increasing the share of non-gas power generation.
The PSMP highlights the need for significant investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure to reduce power losses and improve grid efficiency. However, a lack of adequate funding and challenges in securing foreign investment have hindered the progress in this area.
Despite the obstacles, the PSMP remains a vital component of Bangladesh's strategy to address its energy crisis. As the country continues to grapple with its energy challenges, the need for comprehensive reform and long-term investment in infrastructure has never been more urgent.
While the government's response to the energy crisis has been commendable, it is clear that more needs to be done to tackle the root causes of the problem. The implementation of the Power System Master Plan is a positive step, but it must be expedited and supported by substantial financial and political commitment to succeed in delivering a sustainable solution to the country's power crisis.
The writer is a journalist at The Daily Observer
