Prudent power use amid Middle East crisis urged

Staff Reporter :

Amid continuing instability in the Middle East, the government has called on citizens to use electricity and fuel judiciously, urging them to avoid decorative lighting, limit the use of private vehicles, and rely more on public transport.

The directive followed an emergency review meeting held on Wednesday at the Secretariat, chaired by Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku.

After the meeting, the ministry issued a set of instructions aimed at conserving energy and preventing misuse of fuel.

The government also directed traders and law enforcement agencies to ensure that diesel and petrol are not sold in the open market in violation of existing regulations.

District administrations, police, and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were asked to intensify efforts to prevent fuel smuggling.

In a press release, the ministry said it has taken precautionary steps to deal with any short-term disruption in electricity and fuel supplies stemming from global uncertainties.

Officials at the meeting reviewed the possible implications of international supply volatility on Bangladesh’s energy security.

Participants were informed that fuel imports from potential sources might not arrive in the expected quantities or within scheduled timelines due to the prevailing international situation.

This could temporarily create a gap between domestic demand and supply, making short-term adjustments in fuel distribution necessary.

Officials noted that such adjustments, if required, could have a minor impact on power generation and fertiliser production. However, the ministry emphasised that every effort would be made to minimise public inconvenience, particularly during the month of Ramadan.

The ministry added that it has already taken all feasible measures to cushion the impact of global developments and is working to secure fuel from multiple sources to ensure continuity of supply.

It urged the public to remain patient and cooperate fully with the government in managing any temporary challenges.

Those present at the meeting included State Minister Anindya Islam Amit, the energy division secretary, and the chairpersons of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation and the Bangladesh Power Development Board.