Bangladesh Sweats as Middle East Fuel Shortages Force Power Cuts

Dhaka is grappling with a punishing heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius, making life unbearable for its 170 million residents. Compounding the misery are frequent and prolonged power cuts, a direct consequence of the nation's struggle to meet soaring electricity demand amid critical fuel shortages. The situation is dire, with families unable to sleep and daily life severely disrupted.

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Neither my children nor I could sleep last night due to frequent power cuts. It was extremely hot.

The root of this crisis lies in Bangladesh's heavy reliance on imported fuel, with 95 percent of its oil and gas coming from the Middle East. The ongoing conflict in that region has disrupted energy shipments, severely impacting the country's ability to generate sufficient electricity. Despite possessing significant generation capacity, the lack of fuel means this potential cannot be realized, leaving the nation in a precarious energy situation.

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We have had power cuts before, but this year we cannot get electricity for even two hours at a stretch.

Officials acknowledge the severity of the problem, with reports indicating demand significantly outstripping supply. The government has resorted to implementing 'load-shedding' – controlled power cuts – to manage the network. While efforts are being made to ensure fairness, including experimental cuts in the capital, Dhaka, the public is growing increasingly anxious. Queues at petrol stations have become a common sight, though the Energy Minister has attributed this to panic buying, insisting that fuel reserves are adequate.

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We have a huge electricity generation capacity, but due to shortages of gas and fuel, we are unable to utilise it.

From a Bangladeshi perspective, this crisis highlights the vulnerability of a developing nation heavily dependent on global energy markets. While international news may focus on the geopolitical implications of Middle East conflicts, for ordinary Bangladeshis, the impact is immediate and deeply personal – a struggle for basic comfort and daily necessities amidst sweltering heat and darkness. The government's challenge is immense: to balance immediate needs with long-term energy security in a volatile global environment.

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Limited load-shedding was required.