Bangladesh is expected to experience load shedding ranging from 700 megawatts to a maximum of 1,400 megawatts (MW) during the upcoming Ramadan and summer, according to Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan.
The estimated electricity demand for summer has been set at 18,000 MW.
However, he assured that efforts will be made to keep Ramadan free from power cuts, with an anticipated electricity demand of 15,700 MW during the holy month.
Speaking at a press briefing after an inter-ministerial meeting at the Biddut Bhaban on Monday, he emphasised that the government is focusing on gas-based power plants to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during Ramadan.
To support this, four additional LNG cargoes will be imported.
Currently, 900 million cubic feet of gas is being supplied for power generation, which will be increased to 1,200 million cubic feet during Ramadan and maintained at 1,100 million cubic feet from April to September.
He noted that the summer demand surge is primarily driven by irrigation needs, and the government aims to ensure an adequate power supply for this sector.
Addressing concerns about primary energy shortages, he said that financial arrangements have been made to import the required fuel.
The Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources has requested a US$4 billion fund from the Ministry of Finance. In response, the Finance Ministry assured that it would provide Tk 33,000 crore, or US$2.71 billion, to the power and energy sector.
Meetings have also been held with Bangladesh Bank and other financial institutions to prevent a foreign currency crisis affecting fuel imports.
The energy adviser attributed the expected load shedding not to financial constraints but to excessive electricity consumption, particularly from air conditioning. He highlighted that cooling load accounts for 6,000 MW in summer, and setting air conditioners to 25–26 degrees Celsius could save up to 3,000 MW.
Public awareness campaigns on energy conservation will be launched on television.
Regarding the distribution of power cuts, he assured that there will be no discrimination—load shedding will be implemented equally in urban and rural areas, starting with Dhaka.
On the issue of outstanding payments to private power plants, he acknowledged that some payments would be made to ensure continuous electricity supply, though full clearance may not be possible immediately.
When asked about the progress of expert committees formed under the interim government to review power sector agreements, he stated that the committee assessing seven major power plant contracts requires legal assistance, which is being arranged.
Meanwhile, the tariff review committee has set a benchmark price of Tk 8.40 per unit for coal-based power plants, with plans to use this benchmark to reassess existing agreements.
On another note, he clarified that there is no mandatory restriction on keeping shops open after 8 PM but urged people to avoid unnecessary shopping at night to conserve energy.
While Bangladesh’s official power generation capacity is claimed to be 26,000 MW, he stated that the actual reliable capacity exceeds 18,000 MW.
Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, BPC Chairman Md Aminul Ahsan, BPDB Chairman Engr. Rezaul Karim, REB Chairman Major General S. M. Zia-Ul-Azim, along with the chiefs of distribution and generation companies and other senior officials, attended the press conference.
