‘Energy crisis risks repeat without structural fixes’
The ongoing energy crisis is not a temporary setback but a medium-term structural challenge that may return if it is not effectively resolved, warned economist Hossain Zillur Rahman, Executive Chairman of the Power and Participation Research Center (PPRC).
Speaking at a policy dialogue titled “Economy Trapped by Fuel,” organized by PPRC on Saturday, he stressed that the current situation must be used as a turning point to strengthen long-term energy security.
“Bangladesh now has an opportunity to take bold steps, particularly in expanding solar power generation, to reduce dependence on conventional fuel sources”
Hossain Zillur also cautioned against making unilateral policy decisions during times of crisis without engaging relevant stakeholders.
Such approaches, he noted, could divert the country from its broader development goals rather than resolving underlying challenges. Experts from the energy, industry, and agriculture sectors who participated in the discussion echoed similar concerns.
They emphasised that the crisis should be treated as a sustained challenge requiring strategic planning, rather than a temporary shock. Among the key recommendations was the need to strengthen fuel reserves to better manage future supply disruptions.
Analysts further highlighted the importance of increasing the country’s refining capacity, alongside accelerating investment in renewable energy sources.
These measures, they argued, would help build resilience in the energy sector and reduce vulnerability to global market fluctuations.
Addressing the social dimension of the crisis, former Inspector General of Police Khoda Baksh Chowdhury observed that the public has shown notable patience despite the hardships.
He pointed out that such restraint is uncommon during periods of widespread disruption, attributing it partly to public sympathy for the new government. However, he expressed concern over whether this level of tolerance would persist if a similar crisis were to occur again.
The issue of panic buying also came under discussion. Mohammad Nazmul Haque, President of the Petrol Pump Owners Association, noted that fear-driven purchasing and stockpiling contributed to the severity of the crisis.
He mentioned instances where individuals repeatedly bought fuel, worsening supply pressures and creating long queues.
However, he added that as supply conditions improved and prices increased, demand has since stabilised. The dialogue also featured insights from key stakeholders including Padma Oil Company Limited Chairman AKM Zafar Ullah Khan, agricultural economist MA Sattar Mandal, Trade Services International Chairman Syed Mahmudul Haque, and Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) President Anwar Ul Alam Chowdhury Parvez.
Participants collectively underscored the urgency of coordinated action to prevent future energy shocks and ensure sustainable economic stability.
