Bangladesh is facing one of its worst power crises in years. A severe shortage of natural gas has hit electricity generation across the country. The crisis has forced the government to take steps to cut power use.
The government has ordered shops, markets and shopping malls to close by 8 pm. Bangladesh has also asked India for more diesel supplies to ease pressure on its power and energy sectors.
Government orders early closure
The new order came into effect on Thursday. It requires shops, markets and shopping malls to close by 8 pm. Commercial establishments can now operate only from 11 am to 8 pm, according to a Reuters report.
The government has exempted hospitals and pharmacies from the order. Food-related businesses can also continue to operate. The move aims to reduce electricity demand during peak hours. Bangladesh is struggling to generate enough power because of the shortage of natural gas.
Bangladesh asks India for more diesel
Bangladesh has also turned to India for additional diesel supplies. Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi recently met Bangladesh's Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood. They discussed cooperation in the power and energy sectors.
"High Commissioner Trivedi paid a courtesy call on Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood," the Indian High Commission said in a post on X. The two officials also "exchanged views on further strengthening India–Bangladesh cooperation in the power and energy sectors," it said.
High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi paid a courtesy call on Hon'ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, H.E. Tarique Rahman on 10 August 2026.
— India in Bangladesh (@ihcdhaka) August 10, 2026
High Commissioner conveyed greetings from Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and the intent to work together with the Government and the people of… pic.twitter.com/hkTmUYb1Bs
Mahmood later told reporters that the diesel shortage had affected gas-fired power plants. The disruption has increased load-shedding across the country.
"We have a pipeline with India through which diesel is supplied. We have asked them to provide more," he told reporters, according to PTI.
Bangladesh already receives diesel from India through a cross-border pipeline. The country now wants India to increase supplies through the same pipeline. Mahmood said the additional fuel would help Bangladesh manage its power and gas shortages.
"India is our neighbouring country, so we have many areas of mutual interest, and those issues were discussed," he added.
Gas shortage cuts power generation
The shortage of natural gas has reduced electricity production in Bangladesh. Many gas-fired power plants need a steady supply of fuel to operate. Limited gas supplies have therefore reduced their output.
The national grid now faces a shortage of several hundred megawatts during peak hours, Reuters reported. The shortfall has forced authorities to impose load-shedding in several areas. Homes and businesses have faced power cuts as demand rises.
The government has responded by limiting the operating hours of commercial establishments. It is also seeking more fuel to support electricity generation.
Iran crisis adds to energy pressure
The Iran crisis has made the situation more difficult. The conflict has disrupted global energy markets and increased uncertainty around fuel supplies. Global fuel and LNG prices have also become more volatile, according to Reuters.
Bangladesh depends on energy imports to meet part of its power demand. Higher and unstable fuel prices can therefore increase pressure on the country's energy system.
The government is now trying to control electricity demand while securing more fuel supplies. It hopes these measures will help reduce load-shedding and stabilise power generation.