Petrobangla Faces Tk 195 Billion Dues from Power Plants

Adani Power has agreed to fully restore its 1,600 MW power supply to Bangladesh within days after a three-month partial shutdown due to payment delays caused by Bangladesh’s forex crisis. Supply was halved on October 31, leading to the shutdown of one unit.

The Sheikh Hasina-led government misused Tk 53,000 crore from special energy funds during its 15-year rule, violating policies and guidelines. Of the Tk 47,700 crore available until June 2023, 97% was spent, with three-fourths used improperly.

Bangladesh's power demand is projected to hit 18,000MW this summer, while the highest possible generation is 17,260MW, leading to a 740MW shortfall. During Ramadan, demand is expected to reach 15,700MW, with a government target of zero load shedding.

Power sector subsidies in Bangladesh are projected to increase by 83% in FY25, rising to Tk 66,000 crore from an initial allocation of Tk 36,000 crore. The government plans to clear Tk 25,000–30,000 crore in arrears owed to private power producers, reallocating funds from the Annual Development Plan, which may be reduced by Tk 50,000 crore.

The World Bank (WB) will provide an additional $30 million to enhance power transmission in Cumilla, Chattogram, and Noakhali. The funding will support an ongoing project aimed at improving electricity supply and meeting rising demand.

The 1,320 MW coal-fired Norinco-Rural Power Company Limited (NRPCL) power plant in Kalapara, Patuakhali, has begun trial production. The first unit started generating 170 MW and will gradually reach its 660 MW capacity.