Load shedding has intensified across Bangladesh as an ongoing energy crisis disrupts power generation, with rural areas bearing the brunt through prolonged and unpredictable outages.
While the situation in the capital remains relatively stable, many rural regions are facing 8 to 10 hours of electricity cuts daily. The sudden and irregular outages, combined with rising temperatures, have made daily life increasingly difficult, particularly for the elderly, children, and the sick.
Experts attribute the worsening crisis to multiple factors, including difficulties in fuel imports, a shortage of foreign currency, and mounting unpaid dues to power plants. As a result, many facilities are unable to operate at full capacity.
Officials, however, say the situation may gradually improve as coal shipments begin to arrive. Some coal-based plants have resumed operations, offering modest relief, though load shedding is expected to persist in the near term.
Data from Power Grid Bangladesh PLC shows that at 1:00 pm on Thursday, electricity generation stood at 12,324 megawatts against a demand of 14,350 megawatts, leaving a shortfall of 2,026 megawatts. By late afternoon, the gap narrowed, with generation rising to 13,148 megawatts against a demand of 14,180 megawatts.
According to the Bangladesh Power Development Board, electricity demand could climb to around 18,500 megawatts next month. Without sufficient fuel supplies, large-scale load shedding is likely during this period.
BPDB Member (Generation) Md. Zahurul Islam said coal-based generation, initially disrupted, is now recovering. One unit of the Rampal power plant has resumed operation, while a unit of the SS Power Plant is returning to full capacity—together adding about 900 megawatts to the grid, particularly during peak evening hours.
He added that coal is being unloaded at the Matarbari power plant, which is expected to further boost generation soon. However, rising demand and delays in coal supply continue to create pressure on the system.
The crisis has been compounded by global energy disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East, reducing the availability of gas and coal—the primary fuels for power generation. Although Bangladesh has an installed capacity of around 29,000 megawatts, fuel shortages have limited actual output, leaving a deficit of roughly 2,000 megawatts.
Financial strain is also deepening the crisis. Outstanding payments to domestic and foreign power producers have exceeded Tk 47,000 crore, including over Tk 16,500 crore owed to private oil-based plants. Months of unpaid bills have forced many operators to scale back production.
David Hasanat, president of the Bangladesh Independent Power Producers Association, said private plants are generating only about 2,000 megawatts despite having a capacity of around 5,000 megawatts. With adequate fuel, they could add another 2,000 to 2,500 megawatts to the grid.
He warned that fuel imports—often taking up to 40 days—are being hindered by financial constraints, making it difficult to quickly resolve the crisis. With demand expected to rise further in May, the situation could worsen.
The impact is already being felt across key sectors. In rural areas, frequent outages have cut production in small and medium industries by as much as half, while rising costs force many businesses to rely on alternative energy sources.
Agriculture is also under strain. Power-driven irrigation systems are being disrupted, threatening Boro rice cultivation and drying up fields in several regions. Fish hatcheries are reporting lower output due to unreliable electricity supply.
Across districts including Khulna, Barishal, Mymensingh, and parts of the southwest, residents are experiencing prolonged outages both day and night. In some areas, electricity is available for only brief periods before being cut again, disrupting businesses, water supply, healthcare, and communication networks.
Officials say load shedding is being used as a stopgap measure to manage the supply shortfall, but acknowledge that normalization remains uncertain.
With a widening gap between electricity demand and supply, experts warn that without urgent measures to secure fuel, improve financial stability, and strengthen grid management, the crisis could deepen further during the peak summer months.
BD Pratidin English/ Jisan
