Bangladesh closes early its universities to save energy amid energy crisis

Bangladesh will close its universities on Monday as part of an emergency measure to conserve fuel and electricity amid a worsening energy crisis related to the conflict in the Middle East.

The authorities said that the decision would apply to all private and public universities in the country. They also stated that the move will reduce electricity consumption as well as traffic congestion which results in fuel waste.

Officials stated that university campuses "consume large quantities of electricity for residence halls, classrooms and laboratories, as well as air conditioning"; the early closure will help ease the strain on the country's already strained power system.

Most educational institutions in Bangladesh will be closed during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan.

This move comes as Bangladesh faces increasing uncertainty regarding fuel and gas supply following disruptions in global energy markets due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

After panic-buying and stockpiling, the country, which depends on imports to meet 95% of its needs for energy, set daily limits?on Friday on fuel sales.

In order to reduce electricity consumption, as part of the broader austerity measure, the government also asked that all private coaching centers and schools with foreign-curriculum suspend their operations during this period.

Gas shortages in Bangladesh have forced the country to stop operations at four out of five state-run fertiliser plants. Available gas was diverted to power plants to prevent widespread blackouts.

The country also purchased LNG on the spot market, at sharply higher prices, while seeking additional cargoes to fill supply gaps.

A senior official in the energy ministry said, "We're doing everything we can to ensure stability of power, fuel and imported supplies and reduce consumption." (Reporting and editing by Raju Gopikrishnan; Ruma Paul)

(source: Reuters)