Middle East Crisis: Speakers call for urgent transition toward renewable energy

Speakers called for an urgent and transition toward renewable energy as the Middle East crisis escalated and triggered Bangladesh’s power, fuel and economic sector.

Although Bangladesh is geographically distant from the conflict, the war has triggered severe disruptions in global energy markets, Monabor Hossain, Convener of Rangpur Press Club said at a press conference jointly organised by DOPS Foundation, Forum on Ecology and Development-Rangpur (FED-Rangpur), Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN), and Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED) held in Rangpur on Friday.

He also added that the war has been placing the country in a vulnerable position.

“Instability in the Persian Gulf and the potential disruption of the Strait of Hormuz-one of the world’s most critical energy supply routes posing a direct threat to Bangladesh’s fuel imports.”

The convener said that Bangladesh relies heavily on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, and petroleum products from Gulf countries. As tensions escalate, supply uncertainties and soaring prices are already affecting the national economy.

How the crisis impacts on the economy
Speakers said that the impacts are being felt across the economy.
“Irregular power supply and gas shortages are disrupting industrial production, particularly in export-oriented sectors.”

Speakers also noted that agriculture sector in Bangladesh depends on diesel-powered irrigation, is facing rising input costs, while transport expenses are increasing due to higher fuel prices ultimately driving inflation and affecting ordinary citizens.