Category: Energy and Power

Bangladesh stands at a crucial crossroads where three interconnected challenges- fuel crisis, unsustainable energy consumption and climate change are joining with increasing intensity.

The current fuel shortages, long queues at petrol pumps, rising electricity costs and frequent load shedding are not isolated events; they are symptoms of a deeper structural issue rooted in fossil fuel dependence and ineffi cient energy use.

At the same time, Bangladesh remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world.

This dual challenge demands urgent attention, not only through policy and technology but most importantly, through a transformation in human behavior.

The Fuel Crisis: A Wake-Up Call The ongoing fuel crisis in Bangladesh has been exacerbated by global geopolitical tensions, including conflicts affecting major oil-producing regions.

As a country that relies heavily on imported fossil fuels such as oil, coal and liquefi ed natural gas (LNG), Bangladesh is highly exposed to global market volatility.

Any disruption in supply chains or increase in international prices directly impacts the national economy.

In recent months, the situation has become increasingly visible.

Long lines at petrol pumps, increased fuel prices and widespread electricity shortages have affected daily life.

Industries are struggling to maintain production, agricultural activities are being disrupted and households are facing uncertainty due to frequent power outages.

This crisis highlights a fundamental truth: fossil fuels are fi nite, expensive and unreliable in the long term.

Continuing on this path will only deepen economic vulnerability and energy insecurity.

Climate Change: The Bigger Picture While the fuel crisis is immediate, climate change represents a long-term and existential threat.

Bangladesh is already experiencing the impacts-rising sea levels, more intense cyclones, salinity intrusion, heatwaves and unpredictable weather patterns.

These changes affect agriculture, water resources, livelihoods and overall human security.

Unluckily, the same fossil fuels that are driving the current energy crisis are also major contributors to climate change Burning coal, oil and gas releases greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere which leading to global warming.

Thus, the fuel crisis and climate crisis are closely linked.

Addressing one without considering the other would be incomplete.

A sustainable solution must reduce dependence on fossil fuels while promoting cleaner, renewable energy sources.

Behavior Change: The Missing Link While policy reforms and technological advancements are essential, they often take time and require signifi cant investment.

In contrast, behavior change is immediate, cost-effective and highly impactful.

Unfortunately, it remains the most neglected aspect of energy management.

Behavior change in energy use goes beyond simple awareness-it requires a shift in daily habits, social norms and decisionmaking processes.

In Bangladesh, a large portion of energy waste comes from everyday practices that are driven more by habit than necessity.

In offi ces, meetings and training sessions, it is common to see lights turned on during the daytime while curtains block natural sunlight.

Similarly, air conditioners are used excessively, often set at very low temperatures (18?20°C), not because it is required, but because cooler is perceived as better.

Even when natural ventilation or fans could provide adequate comfort, energy-intensive cooling is preferred.

In households, similar patterns exist.

Lights, fans and televisions are often left running in empty rooms.

Gas stoves are sometimes used unnecessarily- for instance, to dry clothes or kept on longer than needed.

Water is frequently wasted during bathing, washing or car cleaning, even though water supply and treatment also consume energy.

These practices may seem minor individually but collectively they result in signifi cant energy loss.

Beyond homes and offi ces, commercial and social behavior also contributes to the problem.

Brightly lit signboards, shopping malls and decorative lighting in events or celebrations are often maintained for long hours for visibility or prestige, even during times of energy shortage.

Such practices reflect a culture where higher energy use is associated with comfort, status or convenience.

Changing these behaviors does not require advanced technology or large investments.

It requires awareness, responsibility and a collective shift in mindset-from careless consumption to conscious and effi cient use.

For example, offi ces can adopt policies to maximize natural light and set standard AC temperatures, households can ensure appliances are switched off when not in use and communities can promote energy-smart events with minimal lighting.

Schools, media and institutions can further reinforce these practices by making energy conservation a shared social value.

Ultimately, behavior change is about recognizing that small individual actions, when multiplied across millions of users, can create a signifi cant national impact.

In the face of a fuel crisis and growing climate risks, responsible energy use is not just a personal choice-it is a collective responsibility.

Energy Effi ciency and Renewable Energy To address both the fuel crisis and climate change, Bangladesh must accelerate efforts in energy effi ciency and renewable energy, as these two approaches work hand in hand.

Energy effi ciency reduces overall demand, while renewable energy provides a cleaner and more sustainable supply.

Energy effi ciency means using less energy to perform the same tasks.

This can be achieved by using energy-rated appliances such as LED lights and inverter ACs, improving building design with better ventilation and natural lighting and enhancing industrial processes through effi cient machinery and energy audits.

These measures can signifi cantly reduce electricity consumption without affecting comfort or productivity.

At the same time, renewable energy offers a long-term solution to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Bangladesh has strong potential in solar energy, especially through rooftop solar systems in urban areas and solar solutions in rural communities.

Expanding renewables not only improves energy security but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

However, both effi ciency and renewable energy depend on proper behavior.

Using effi cient appliances carelessly still wastes energy, and renewable systems like solar require mindful use and maintenance.

Therefore, technology must be supported by responsible behaviour to achieve real impact.

A Call for Collective Action The challenges of fuel crisis and climate change are too large to be addressed by any single actor-they require a united and collective response from government, institutions, communities and individuals.

This is not only an energy issue; it is a shared national responsibility that demands immediate and coordinated action.

Policies and technologies can set the direction but real change will only happen when people adopt responsible behaviors in their daily lives.

At this critical moment, priority must be given to raising awareness about energy conservation, promoting effi cient and mindful consumption and discouraging non-essential and luxury energy use-especially during peak crisis periods.

At the same time, efforts to expand renewable energy and adopt energy-effi cient technologies must be strengthened and supported at all levels.

Ensuring fair and equitable access to energy is equally important, so that no group suffers disproportionately due to the actions of others.

Educational institutions, media, religious leaders and community organizations have a vital role in shaping public attitudes and influencing behavior.

By promoting a culture of responsibility, moderation and sustainability, they can help transform how energy is perceived and used in society.

Ultimately, the path forward depends on collective awareness and action.

Every small step – switching off unnecessary lights, reducing excessive cooling, avoiding waste – adds up to a larger national impact.

In a time of crisis, responsible energy use is not just a personal choice; it is a duty to the country and to future generations.

In conclusion, Bangladesh is at a defi ning moment.

The fuel crisis has exposed the fragility of a fossil fueldependent system, while climate change continues to intensify risks to livelihoods and development.

Addressing these challenges requires more than infrastructure and policy-it demands a shift in mindset.

Behavior change, supported by energy effi ciency and renewable energy, offers a practical and immediate pathway forward.

Every small action matters.

When multiplied across millions of people, these actions can signifi cantly reduce energy demand, ease the pressure on fuel resources, and contribute to climate resilience.

The path to energy security and sustainability lies in collective awareness and shared responsibility.

The choices we make today will shape the future of Bangladesh-making it more resilient, equitable and sustainable for generations to come.

Ashrafuzzaman Khan, Interim Coordinator – Resilience Building, Climate Change Program, Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB)

The government has advanced two major natural gas exploration and production projects worth Tk 11.22 billion to boost domestic gas output, reduce dependence on costly LNG imports and strengthen Bangladesh’s long-term energy security.

The projects, undertaken by Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Limited (BGFCL) and Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX), were recently reviewed by the Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) of the Planning Commission.

Under the Tk 6.32 billion BGFCL project, two appraisalcum-development wells- Titas-32 and Titas-33-will be drilled at the Titas Gas Field in Brahmanbaria by December 2028.

The project is expected to add 60 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMCFD) to the national grid and includes construction of a two-kilometer gas gathering pipeline.

Meanwhile, BAPEX will implement a Tk 4.90 billion program to drill nine wells, including appraisal and exploration wells in Chattogram and Noakhali, to discover new gas reserves and enhance production from existing fi elds.

Bangladesh has called for stronger regional cooperation and increased blue carbon fi nancing to protect vulnerable coastal communities, strengthen climate resilience and support sustainable economic growth in delta regions.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo made the call while addressing the international session titled ‘Accelerating Integrated Climate Action in Asia and the Pacifi c: Regional Cooperation for Blue Carbon Finance,’ jointly organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacifi c (ESCAP) and the Landscape Alliance at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok recently.

In his keynote address, the minister urged the international community to recognise blue carbon ecosystems as vital climate, community and development assets, stressing that mangrove forests and coastal wetlands are critical national infrastructure for climate resilience in Bangladesh.

The Power Division recently held a nationwide virtual meeting to assess complaints of unusually high electricity bills issued in June and the prevailing load shedding across the country.

The meeting, conducted via Zoom, was chaired by Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh and attended by senior ministry offi cials, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners (DCs) from across the country, and representatives of electricity distribution utilities and companies.

During the meeting, offi cials sought to identify the reasons behind complaints of abnormally high electricity bills and gathered fi eld-level feedback on load shedding.

The latest progress on the installation of net meters under rooftop solar systems was also reviewed.

Offi cials noted that a signifi cant number of electricity consumers complained through the media and social media about receiving unusually high bills for June

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has stressed the need for strong political commitment and long-term policy support to accelerate the expansion of renewable energy in Bangladesh and strengthen the country’s energy security.

He made the remarks while addressing a policy dialogue organized by the Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED) at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban recently.

The minister said energy security is not limited to ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply but is also closely linked to Bangladesh’s economic independence and sustainable development.

He emphasized that achieving a successful energy transition would require consistent political commitment, strategic planning and sustained investment in renewable energy.

A study presented by BWGED at the dialogue highlighted the economic benefi ts of solar energy, estimating that every kilowatt of installed solar capacity could save around Tk 30,000 annually in imported fuel costs.

Over the estimated 20-year lifespan of a solar power system, the cumulative savings could reach approximately Tk 550,000.

The Seventh Global Conference on Strengthening Synergies between the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda has called for accelerating integrated action on climate change and sustainable development, urging governments to move from commitments to implementation.

Held in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme ‘From Commitment to Delivery: Scaling Integrated Action in a Volatile World,’ the conference brought together ministers, UN leaders, climate negotiators and development experts to explore ways of aligning climate policies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Participants emphasized that integrating climate action with national development plans could make public spending up to 40% more effective, while improving resilience and sustainable growth.

Discussions focused on climate justice, energy resilience, sustainable cities, nature-based solutions, just transition policies and stronger international cooperation, with particular attention to implementation challenges across Asia and the Pacifi c.

The current gas supply crisis, coupled with the rapid depletion of proven recoverable reserves in Bangladesh’s producing gas fi elds, indicates that the country’s energy challenges will continue to deepen over the remainder of the decade.

At the current pace, neither BAPEX’s exploration activities nor Petrobangla’s initiatives to expand LNG import infrastructure are likely to deliver signifi cant additional gas supplies before 2030.

Domestic gas production, which once peaked at 2,750 MMCFD, has now fallen below 1,750 MMCFD.

Meanwhile, two floating storage and regasifi cation units (FSRUs) anchored offshore near Moheshkhali supply between 1,050 and 1,100 MMCFD of regasifi ed LNG (RLNG).

Total gas supply currently ranges between 2,750 and 2,800 MMCFD against a coincident peak demand of 4,000-4,200 MMCFD, leaving a widening supply defi cit of 1,000-1,200 MMCFD.

This chronic gas shortage has severely affected every major consumer category, including power generation, fertilizer production, industries, CNG stations, and residential users.

Petrobangla’s 50-well and 100-well drilling programs have so far failed to produce the expected results.

Although exploration activities on Bhola Island led to several gas discoveries, Petrobangla has been unable to connect these reserves to the national gas grid for more than three decades.

Gas was fi rst discovered in Bhola in 1994.

Bangladesh made a timely decision in 2010 to begin importing LNG, and RLNG has been supplied to the national grid since 2018.

However, despite growing demand, Petrobangla has yet to launch any major new initiative to expand RLNG imports through additional FSRUs or accelerate the development of the proposed land-based LNG terminal at Matarbari.

The interim government led by Dr.

Muhammad Yunus canceled the contract with Summit Energy for a third FSRU without fully assessing its long-term implications.

Had the project proceeded as planned, the facility could have been in an advanced stage of development and capable of supplying an additional 500 MMCFD of RLNG by mid-2027.

The interim government also discontinued negotiations with Excelerate Energy for a deepwater floating LNG terminal off the coast of Kuakata.

In addition, two advanced proposals to import RLNG from India through cross-border pipelines were abandoned.

As a result, Bangladesh’s downstream gas supply chain-which is already under severe strain-faces an even greater risk of crisis between 2027 and 2029.

The situation demands the highest national priority, requiring an aggressive program of onshore and offshore gas exploration alongside immediate efforts to establish at least two additional FSRUs by 2029.

Expanding the gas transmission network will also be essential to accommodate additional RLNG imports.

Present Situation of the Gas Supply Chain According to Petrobangla’s daily gas intake and offtake report for 24 hours in mid-July 2026, the total gas supply stood at 2,690 MMCFD.

Domestic gas fi elds contributed 1,626 MMCFD, while RLNG imports added 1,044 MMCFD.

Bangladesh’s own gas production once reached 2,750 MMCFD, with the prolifi c Bibiyana gas fi eld alone producing around 1,200 MMCFD.

Today, Bibiyana’s output has declined to approximately 750 MMCFD.

Wellhead pressure in several producing wells is showing alarming signs of depletion despite the installation of wellhead compressors.

Experts predict that Bibiyana’s production could decline below 500 MMCFD by 2030.

Surprisingly, Petrobangla has yet to implement adequate contingency measures to prepare for this eventuality.

At the same time, the gas reserves discovered on Bhola Island remain stranded because of the absence of a transmission pipeline connecting the island to the national gas grid.

The same Petrobangla report showed that gas supply to power plants was only 1,096 MMCFD against a demand of 2,525 MMCFD.

Fertilizer factories received just 120 MMCFD compared with a demand of 329 MMCFD.

Consequently, nearly 48% of gas-fi red power generation capacity remained idle, while only two of the country’s seven fertilizer factories were able to operate.

Industries-including export-oriented textile, ready-made garment (RMG), and ceramic manufacturers-continue to suffer from severe gas shortages throughout the national gas distribution network.

Many small and mediumsized enterprises have already closed, while several large industries have been forced to reduce production.

The outlook beyond 2026 is even more concerning.

Domestic gas production is expected to decline further through 2030, while neither major new gas discoveries nor substantial additional RLNG imports are likely to materialize before then.

What Can Be the Remedies? Years of inadequate planning and delayed decision-making by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) and Petrobangla have created a situation that is unlikely to improve signifi cantly before 2030, even if emergency measures are implemented immediately.

The immediate priority should be to sustain domestic gas production at no less than 1,800 MMCFD while reducing system losses, theft, and pilferage to save at least 200 MMCFD of gas across the national distribution network.

In an emergency, gas supplies to fertilizer factories could be temporarily curtailed so that the saved gas can be redirected to industries, where the economic returns are signifi cantly higher.

The government should immediately invite tenders to construct a gas transmission pipeline connecting Bhola to the national gas grid through Khulna, abandoning impractical proposals to convert Bhola gas into LNG or CNG before transportation.

Every effort should also be made to commission the full 2×1,200 MW capacity of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant by the end of 2027 to reduce dependence on natural gas for electricity generation.

Petrobangla should deploy drilling rigs to Chhatak and Tengratila while accelerating exploration at Patharia, Patiya, Sitapahar, and Kashalong in the Chittagong Hill Tracts through experienced international drilling contractors.

The government should also launch a new production-sharing contract (PSC) bidding round for onshore exploration.

If, by the end of 2027, at least 10 exploration rigs-including fi ve operated by BAPEX-can work simultaneously, Bangladesh could potentially discover an additional 3-5 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas reserves by 2030.

The government should also reconsider the canceled contract for the third FSRU and simultaneously initiate bidding for a fourth FSRU.

Every effort must be made to expedite the construction of the landbased LNG terminal at Matarbari.

These initiatives will require major expansion of GTCL’s transmission network.

Our assessment indicates that a parallel gas transmission pipeline from Feni to Bakhrabad should be completed by 2030 to evacuate additional RLNG from two new FSRUs.

Before the land-based LNG terminal becomes operational, however, a third pipeline from Moheshkhali to Faujdarhat will be essential.

A substantial portion of this pipeline should be constructed underwater to bypass the highly congested Anwara and North Patenga areas, where acquiring land for a new pipeline would be extremely diffi cult.

Conclusion In the national interest, the recommended contingency measures should be treated as the country’s highest energy priority.

A dedicated task force of experienced energy professionals should be empowered to implement these initiatives with the authority, resources, and incentives necessary to achieve measurable results.

The conventional bureaucratic approach will not be suffi cient to address the magnitude of Bangladesh’s gas crisis.

Only decisive leadership, accelerated project execution, and coordinated institutional reforms can prevent the country’s energy security from deteriorating further before 2030.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman recently inaugurated the World Environment Day and Environment Fair-2026 and the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair2026, reaffi rming the government’s commitment to environmental protection, afforestation and climate resilience.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the BangladeshChina Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka under the theme, ‘Let’s Beautify the Country Through Tree Plantation, Bangladesh Comes First.’ During the program, the Prime Minister presented the National Environment Award-2025, National Wildlife Conservation Award-2026 and National Tree Plantation Award-2025.

He also distributed dividend cheques among benefi ciaries of the country’s social forestry programme.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo chaired the programme.

Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Environment, Forest and Climate Affairs Dr.Md.Saimum Parvez and State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam addressed the function as special guests.

Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) industry, the country’s largest export earner, is confronting one of its most serious operational challenges in years.

Escalating energy costs, persistent gas shortages, and unreliable electricity supplies are eroding competitiveness at a time when manufacturers are also facing tighter sustainability requirements and intense global competition.

Although the industry accepted higher gas tariffs in return for assurances of improved supply, many factories continue to struggle with production disruptions.

In an interview with Energy and Power Editor Mollah Amzad Hossain, BGMEA President and Rising Fashion Ltd.

Managing Director Mahmud Hasan Khan discusses why restoring reliable energy supplies has become essential to protecting exports, attracting investment, and sustaining millions of jobs.

How do you assess the current state of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry? Many believe the sector has been under severe pressure over the past three to four years and is unable to utilize its full production capacity.

What is the way forward? The garment industry is currently facing multiple challenges, but the most serious are high gas and electricity prices, coupled with the inability to obtain gas supplies in line with demand despite paying higher tariffs.

At the same time, there is no guarantee of uninterrupted, quality electricity supply.

These factors are steadily eroding Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the global apparel market.

Rising fi nancing costs and uncertainty over energy availability have become the industry’s biggest obstacles.

Many factories have already closed, while others are unable to operate at full production capacity because of inadequate gas and electricity.

The only sustainable solution is to ensure an adequate gas supply at the required pressure while guaranteeing reliable, highquality electricity.

We have repeatedly discussed these issues with successive governments and presented our recommendations, but little progress has been made.

After the current government assumed offi ce, we again highlighted the severity of the crisis.

It is important to understand that fi nancial incentives alone cannot revive struggling industries if reliable energy is unavailable.

Without addressing the energy shortage, more factories will become fi nancially distressed and eventually shut down.

Bangladesh’s garment industry has invested heavily in energy effi ciency and green energy.

Many say these investments have been driven by buyers’ sustainability requirements, yet garment prices continue to decline.

How is the industry responding? I would not say that buyer pressure is the primary reason behind these investments.

The industry has invested in energy effi ciency mainly to reduce rising production costs.

Manufacturers serving the domestic market can often pass higher energy and fi nancing costs on to consumers.

Exportoriented garment manufacturers do not have that luxury.

We must compete with other exporting countries while maintaining competitive prices in the global market.

As a result, factories are investing continuously in energy-effi cient technologies.

Today, before purchasing machinery, motors, or industrial equipment, manufacturers carefully assess their energy performance.

We will continue investing in modern technologies to improve effi ciency and remain globally competitive.

Gas and electricity prices continue to rise, while reliable electricity remains diffi cult to obtain.

Despite paying signifi cantly higher gas tariffs, industries say gas supply has actually declined.

How is this affecting production? Has BGMEA conducted any assessment? The gas shortage is placing industries under increasing pressure every day.

Many gas-fi red captive power plants cannot operate because suffi cient gas is unavailable, forcing factories to switch to diesel generators.

This has dramatically increased operating costs.

According to Petrobangla, the country’s daily gas demand is around 4,200 million cubic feet (MMCFD).

However, total supply-including domestic production and imported LNG-is only about 2,600 to 2,700 MMCFD.

At the same time, offi cials from the Energy Division have acknowledged that domestic gas production is declining by roughly 150 MMCFD each year Currently, Bangladesh’s two operational Floating Storage and Regasifi cation Units (FSRUs) have a combined regasifi cation capacity of about 1,100 MMCFD.

Although efforts are underway to increase domestic gas production, the industrial sector cannot afford to wait years for those projects to deliver results.

We accepted higher gas prices after the government assured us that supply would improve.

Instead, industries are paying more while receiving less gas.

This situation is forcing manufacturers to rely on expensive alternative fuels, weakening Bangladesh’s competitiveness in international markets.

Moreover, many factories are unable to utilize their full production capacity because of energy shortages.

There is no alternative to ensuring adequate gas and electricity supplies at competitive prices if Bangladesh wants to protect its existing industries, attract new investment, sustain exports, and preserve millions of jobs.

The government must treat this challenge as a national priority and act with the urgency of an emergency response.

Industry leaders have repeatedly called for the rapid installation of two additional Floating Storage and Regasifi cation Units (FSRUs).

Why is this so important? We have consistently urged the government to install two more FSRUs as quickly as possible to address the country’s growing gas shortage.

Unfortunately, that has not happened.

We strongly request the current government to begin work on these projects without further delay.

If the gas crisis continues, the textile and readymade garment (RMG) sectors will face even greater challenges.

BGMEA has said that rising energy prices are reducing the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s garment industry compared with countries such as Vietnam.

How can the sector overcome this challenge? Bangladesh is gradually losing its competitive edge against other garmentexporting countries, and I believe the outlook could become even more diffi cult.

Because of inadequate gas supplies, many industries have been forced to switch to LPG.

However, LPG costs nearly three times as much as natural gas, even at the current gas tariff.

The government increased gas prices with the assurance that supply would improve.

We are paying the higher prices, but the gas shortage has actually worsened.

Entrepreneurs alone cannot solve this problem.

The government must respond with the urgency of a national emergency.

At the same time, the cost of fi nancing must be reduced to help industries remain competitive.

Domestic gas production continues to decline, making increased LNG imports unavoidable.

Since LNG is more expensive, higher gas prices may also be inevitable.

How is the RMG sector preparing for this reality? No doubt, increasing LNG imports will raise the average cost of gas.

However, industries cannot survive without a reliable gas supply.

It is also important to note that industrial and captive power users are already paying the highest gas tariffs.

In my opinion, there is little room to increase gas prices for industries further, because they are already paying above the average cost of supply.

To protect employment and sustain exports, the government should maintain the current tariff while ensuring an uninterrupted gas supply according to industrial demand.

Bangladesh currently depends on imports for around 62.5 percent of its primary energy.

Experts argue that the country must invest heavily in domestic gas and coal exploration while expanding renewable energy.

Will BGMEA raise these issues with the government? The heavy dependence on imported energy is the result of previous governments’ failure to adopt effective policies for exploring and utilizing domestic gas and coal resources.

At present, however, there is no alternative to importing gas if we want to sustain existing industries and encourage new investment.

At the same time, alternative energy sources should be used in other sectors so that more natural gas can be supplied to industries.

The industrial sector is already investing in renewable energy, but renewables alone cannot meet the country’s total energy demand.

The government must take the lead in resolving this crisis.

We have already discussed these issues with the Energy Minister and hope to meet the Prime Minister soon to seek immediate action to address the energy shortage affecting industries.

We believe the government will take the necessary steps to support industrial growth and create new employment opportunities.

European markets are tightening carbon footprint requirements, with exporters expected to signifi cantly reduce emissions by 2030.

Discussions are also continuing under international climate negotiations.

Is BGMEA preparing for these new standards ahead of COP31? There is no alternative to complying with the environmental requirements of our export markets specially in Europe.

Currently, only a limited amount of renewable energy is being used in the garment industry.

To meet the 2030 targets, around 30 percent of the energy used in production will need to come from renewable sources.

Textile mills generally have large factory premises, making rooftop solar installations more practical.

However, most garment factories are vertically developed, leaving very limited rooftop space for large-scale solar generation.

As a result, garment manufacturers will need to purchase renewable electricity from utility-scale solar plants through Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) under the Marchant Power Policy.

However, the proposed wheeling and compensation charges of Tk 2.75 per unit are too high.

Unless the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) reduces these charges to a reasonable level, many garment manufacturers will not be able to benefi t from the scheme.

In that case, companies may have to rely on purchasing green certifi cates or similar instruments to meet buyers’ sustainability requirement

Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood recently said that domestic fuel prices may be reduced if global rates fall to a tolerable level, though the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation continues to incur losses of Tk 78 crore daily on fuel sales.

Answering questions in the parliament, the minister said fuel prices in the international market remain above break-even.

According to LC payments for imported fuel from March to June 11 this year, BPC’s cumulative losses stand at Tk 17,039.56 crore.

International price movements have far outpaced government price adjustments, he said.

Diesel prices on the global market rose 152 percent during the Middle East crisis, but the government increased domestic diesel prices by only 15 percent.

Similarly, octane prices climbed 82 percent internationally while domestic prices rose 21 percent.