With 49 out of 153 power plants in Bangladesh operating at full capacity, the country is grappling with ongoing power outages exacerbated by scorching summer temperatures. Maintenance and fuel shortages have forced the closure of 53 additional plants, totaling 4,930 megawatts of capacity. Furthermore, the remaining 51 plants, capable of generating 7,855 megawatts, are producing only 3,568 megawatts due to insufficient fuel supply.
The situation has led to power cuts lasting four to five hours in urban areas and eight to ten hours in rural regions. Coal shortages prompted the recent shutdown of the Payra 1,320-megawatt Thermal Power Plant, while the Rampal power plant is operating well below capacity. The government’s inability to secure necessary dollars and address outstanding dues to power producers is exacerbating the crisis. Urgent measures are needed to alleviate the power shortage and prioritize the energy sector’s stability, similar to the support given to the food and agriculture sectors.