Energy crisis forces Bangladesh to cut power use in offices

30/03/2026

Energy crisis forces Bangladesh to cut power use in offices

DHAKA, Mar 30: Bangladesh government offices have been directed to reduce electricity usage by switching off unnecessary lights and limiting air-conditioning, as the worsening Middle East conflict intensifies an energy crunch, officials said on March 30. The Ministry of Public Administration instructed civil servants to use only essential electrical equipment and set air-conditioning at 25°C or higher to conserve power.

The South Asian nation, which imports about 95% of its oil and gas needs, is facing mounting pressure on energy supplies. Authorities have already introduced measures to curb fuel consumption, including limiting fuel purchases, suspending operations at most fertilizer factories, and deploying police to monitor filling stations.

Bangladesh is also seeking around $2 billion in loans from multilateral donors to address the growing energy crisis.