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New Delhi: Bangladesh is currently facing one of the biggest energy crises in history. There are power cuts for hours across the country. To handle the situation, the government even had to order shops and malls to close at 8 pm. Businesses, farmers and industries are all affected. To deal with the crisis, Bangladesh has now sought additional diesel supply from India.

Darkness in villages for 8-10 hours

According to local reports, the situation is worst in rural areas outside the capital Dhaka. There is electricity supply there for 8 to 10 hours every day. On top of that, the scorching heat and heatwave have doubled the problem. Statistics show that the demand for electricity in Bangladesh is reaching about 18,000 MW.

But only 13,000 MW is being supplied. That means there is a shortage of about 5,000 MW every day. Right now electricity is being provided as per requirement in Dhaka. But 80 cooperative companies supply in rural areas and there is the highest reduction there.

Attacks on power stations increased

The anger of the people angry over the long cuts is venting out on the electricity department. According to the Dhaka Tribune report, people have attacked grids and sub-stations in some areas. Because of this, Bangladesh Palli Vidyut Association has had to seek police protection for its grid, sub-station and offices.

There have been reports of vandalism and arson in Saidpur, Nilphamari and Kushtia. Officials who had gone to collect electricity bills in Netrakona are receiving threatening calls. According to Daily Star, threats of demolition of offices are also being made. Police have been asked to increase patrolling at night.

What is the real reason for the crisis?

Bangladesh imports 90 percent of its oil and 30 percent of its gas. There are two major reasons for the current crisis. First, last month there was a fire in the LNG terminal of American company Accelerate Energy. The terminal closed after the July 21 incident. Due to this the LNG supply was reduced to half.

The work has partially started this week itself. Second, at least two LNG vessels could not unload their cargo at the terminal due to bad weather at sea. Besides, the supply of electricity coming from outside has also reduced.

sought help from india

In these circumstances, Bangladesh has asked for additional diesel from India so that the power plants can be run. Six distribution companies supply electricity across the country. The government has ordered shopping malls, shops and markets to be closed by 8 pm to save electricity. But farmers and small industries are most affected by this cut.