Bangladesh energy crisis may take two years to resolve

Bangladesh's ongoing energy crisis involving electricity and gas shortages is expected to last at least two years, according to Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. Speaking at an American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh event, the minister noted that resolving the issue requires infrastructure such as a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, which could take between 1.5 to 2 years to construct.

The shortages have led to widespread load shedding and public frustration. In response, the government has implemented electricity conservation measures, including revised operating hours for shopping malls and markets (11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) and a ban on decorative lighting. Illuminated billboards must also be turned off by 7:00 p.m.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmud stated that the government has limited options to manage the current shortages, noting that gas extraction remains difficult without a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU). Additionally, power distribution companies in several districts have requested law enforcement assistance to bolster security.