4 LNG cargos to arrive to meet electricity demand: Energy Advisor

Speaking to journalists after Asr prayers on Sunday in front of the Circuit House Jame Mosque in Dhaka, Khan stated, "We have taken the initiative to import four additional LNG cargos during Ramadan. We hope, Insha Allah, there will be no load-shedding during the holy month."

He explained, "Our existing gas reserves are depleting. We are using foreign currency to import LNG from abroad. This year, Ramadan falls during a relatively warmer period, leading to higher electricity demand for irrigation and cooling. In winter, our electricity demand ranges from 9,000 to 10,000 megawatts, but during summer, it rises to 17,000 to 18,000 megawatts due to irrigation and heat. Of this, 2,000 megawatts are required for irrigation, which cannot be halted as it would disrupt food production and harm everyone."

The advisor also highlighted the significant electricity consumption for air conditioning and excessive lighting. "We have requested imams and worshippers to set air conditioner temperatures at 25 degrees Celsius, which is a comfortable level for prayers. This recommendation is not unique to Bangladesh; even Malaysia advises maintaining AC temperatures at 25 degrees."

Khan urged households to avoid wasting electricity and requested shopping malls and jewelry shops to refrain from excessive lighting. "My colleagues from the Power and Energy Division and I are reaching out to everyone to promote energy conservation."

When asked about electricity theft, the advisor acknowledged that both electricity and gas theft are issues. "We are disconnecting illegal gas connections and taking steps to address illegal electricity connections. If specific evidence is found against officials involved in electricity theft, immediate action will be taken."