The depreciation of the Bangladeshi Taka against the US Dollar is taking a toll on electricity generation and supply companies. State-owned Dhaka Electric Supply Company (Desco) reported a loss of Tk541 crore ($61 million) in the fiscal year 2022-23, largely attributed to Taka’s depreciation as Desco holds Tk2,900 crore in foreign loans.
Private power producers, such as Doreen Power, also faced substantial losses due to foreign exchange fluctuations. Doreen Power reported a 61% year-on-year profit decline at the end of FY23. Summit Power, the country’s largest independent power producer, requested an extension for its financial statements, citing acute fund shortages due to volatile foreign exchange and delayed bill settlements. The depreciation of the Taka is affecting many sectors, including power generation and supply companies, making it challenging for them to maintain financial stability.