Govt calls for optimal power consumption amid crisis in Middle East
The government has asked the public to avoid decorative lighting, reduce the use of private vehicles in favour of public transport, and use electricity and fuel more efficiently.
Following an emergency review meeting today at the Secretariat, chaired by Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, the ministry issued the instructions.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The government also instructed traders and law enforcement agencies to ensure that diesel and petrol are not sold in the open market in violation of regulations.
District administrations, police and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been requested to take necessary steps to prevent fuel smuggling.
In a press release, the ministry said the government has taken preparatory measures to tackle a possible short-term disruption in electricity and fuel supply amid ongoing instability in the Middle East.
During the meeting, officials assessed the potential impact of global supply uncertainties on Bangladesh’s energy security.
The meeting was informed that fuel imports from prospective sources may not arrive in the desired volume or on schedule due to the prevailing international situation.
As a result, a temporary mismatch between domestic demand and supply could arise, requiring short-term adjustments in distribution.
Such adjustments, if necessary, may slightly affect electricity generation and fertiliser production, officials said. However, the ministry stressed that it would exercise maximum caution to avoid public suffering during the month of Ramadan.
The ministry said it has already taken all possible measures to minimise the adverse impact of global developments and is working to secure fuel from multiple sources to maintain normal supply as far as possible.
It urged people to remain patient and extend full cooperation to help the government manage any temporary difficulties.
Among others present at the meeting were State Minister Anindya Islam Amit, the energy division secretary, and the chairmen of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation and the Bangladesh Power Development Board.
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