An energy crisis the public pays for
THE worsening power and gas crisis has exposed the deep weaknesses in the country’s energy management, leaving millions to bear the consequences of shortages that are becoming increasingly difficult to justify.
The New Nation of Friday reported that peak load shedding has remained above 3,000 megawatts for several consecutive days.
On 9 August, the shortfall reached 3,671MW, rising to 3,757MW the following day before standing at 3,465MW and 3,382MW on 11 and 12 August respectively.
Behind these figures lies a harsh reality: in some rural areas, people are reportedly receiving electricity for only five to seven hours a day, while remaining without power for up to 17-20 hours.
The suffering is not confined to villages. Dhaka and other major cities are also experiencing increased load shedding.
Students struggle to study, households endure unbearable heat and cooking becomes more difficult.
Businesses and factories, meanwhile, face production disruptions, threatening jobs and incomes.
The gas shortage is aggravating the crisis. Against demand of around 3.8 billion cubic feet per day, gas supply stood at only about 2.03 billion cubic feet on 12 August.
LNG supplies have also fallen sharply because of technical problems and adverse weather.
Consequently, gas-fired power plants with a combined capacity of about 12,472MW are producing only around 3,000-4,000MW.
This has created a vicious cycle. Households without adequate pipeline gas are turning to electricity for cooking, while industries deprived of gas for captive generation are increasingly relying on the national grid.
At a time when electricity demand has risen to around 18,000-19,000MW, such additional pressure is particularly damaging.
The immediate priority must be to restore reliable electricity and gas supplies, but the government must also address the structural causes of the crisis.
Reducing system losses, preventing gas theft and leakage, improving efficiency, strengthening domestic gas exploration and ensuring timely LNG procurement are essential.
Greater transparency and accountability in energy planning are equally important.
We must say people cannot be expected to accept prolonged power cuts as an unavoidable fact of life.
Reliable energy is a basic necessity for households, education and economic activity.
The government must act urgently and ensure that the burden of this crisis does not continue to fall disproportionately on ordinary citizens.
