No load shedding in country: Energy Minister

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has claimed that there is currently no load shedding anywhere in the country, although he acknowledged that brief power interruptions may occur due to technical faults.

He made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking to journalists after a meeting on the third day of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium.

The minister said electricity supply has been stable across the country, adding that any occasional disruptions are not load shedding but short-term technical issues. 

He also alleged that artificial crises had been created in the past to generate fuel shortages and warned that those involved in diesel theft and manipulation would face action.

According to the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), the country experienced uninterrupted electricity supply from April 27 to May 3 as generation matched demand, resulting in no load shedding during that period.

BPDB Chairman Md. Rezaul Karim said generation capacity is now sufficient to meet demand, unlike before when smaller plant issues sometimes caused shortages. 

He added that efforts are underway to maintain “zero load shedding” in the coming days.

The BPDB also said ensuring coal supply remains a key priority for uninterrupted power generation, while gas and diesel usage is being optimized due to supply constraints. 

Coal-based plants are currently providing stable output, including a newly operational unit of RNPCL coal-fired power plant in Patuakhali, with another unit expected to come online soon.

Data from Power Grid Bangladesh PLC (PGCB) shows that peak demand on April 27 reached 12,793 megawatts, which was fully met without any load shedding. 

Similar demand levels were recorded on April 28, 29, and 30, as well as May 1, 2, and 3, with supply consistently matching demand.

SH