Bangladesh Turns to India for Help as Power Crisis Forces 8 PM Shutdown for Malls and Shops

Severe Energy Shortage and Early Business Closures

Bangladesh is currently dealing with one of its worst electricity and fuel shortages in recent years, triggered by declining domestic gas supplies and disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. To handle the massive gap between electricity demand and actual supply, the government issued strict directives requiring all retail shops, markets, and shopping malls to shut down by 8 PM. Recent reports from major media outlets such as India Today,Hindustan Times, andThe Times of India highlight that rolling blackouts have stretched up to twelve hours a day in several regions.

• Shopping malls and commercial retail shops must close by 8 PM instead of the previous later schedule.

• Illuminated billboards are required to be switched off early to conserve power on the national grid.

• Hospitals, pharmacies, and food shops are exempted from these strict commercial restrictions.

Reaching Out to India for Emergency Diesel Support

To offset the massive shortfall affecting gas-fired power generation, Dhaka has formally reached out to New Delhi for assistance. Energy officials have requested additional emergency diesel supplies through the existing cross-border pipeline and bilateral channels. As covered by The Print, discussions between energy ministers and high commissioners focused on managing fuel security while global energy markets face ongoing volatility and pricing pressures.