Bangladesh Orders Civil Servants to Cut Power Use as Energy Crisis Deepens

The government of Bangladesh has instructed civil servants to reduce electricity consumption by switching off lights and limiting air conditioning, as the ongoing Middle East conflict intensifies an already severe energy crunch. Officials confirmed the measures on Monday, describing them as part of a broader effort to manage rising fuel costs and limited supply.

The South Asian country, home to around 170 million people, relies heavily on imported energy, with about 95 percent of its oil and gas sourced from abroad. This dependence has left it exposed to global price fluctuations and supply disruptions, particularly as tensions in the Middle East continue to affect energy markets.

The Ministry of Public Administration issued a directive late Sunday outlining new rules for government offices. According to ministry official Sakhawat Hossain, the instructions focus on reducing unnecessary electricity use and conserving fuel.

“Only the necessary number of lights, fans, air conditioners, and other electrical equipment should be used,” the order stated. Civil servants have also been reminded to switch off lights when leaving rooms. In addition, all air conditioning units must be set at 25 degrees Celsius or higher to limit energy consumption.

The measures reflect growing concern within the government about the impact of rising energy costs on the economy. Officials say the conflict in the Middle East has driven up fuel prices, placing additional strain on Bangladesh’s import bill and foreign reserves.

To address the situation, the government is seeking financial assistance from international institutions. Authorities have indicated that Bangladesh is pursuing loans worth around $2 billion from multilateral donors to help stabilize the energy sector and ensure continued supply.

In recent months, officials have already implemented several steps to curb fuel usage. These include imposing limits on fuel purchases, shutting down production at most fertilizer factories to conserve gas, and deploying police to monitor filling stations and prevent hoarding or illegal sales.

Analysts say such measures are common among energy-importing nations during periods of global instability, though they can have ripple effects across industries and daily life. Reduced industrial output, particularly in sectors like fertilizer production, may impact agriculture and food supply chains if prolonged.

For now, authorities are prioritizing immediate conservation to manage available resources and avoid widespread shortages. The latest directive signals a continued focus on reducing consumption across the public sector while longer-term solutions, such as diversifying energy sources and improving efficiency, remain under consideration.

The situation highlights how global geopolitical tensions are directly affecting countries far from the conflict zone, with Bangladesh facing difficult choices to balance energy demand and economic stability.