Bangladesh reduces working hours in order to save energy during Middle East crisis

Bangladesh has taken new measures to reduce energy consumption, including cutting office hours and reducing public spending. Conflict in the Middle East is disrupting global fuel markets and straining power supply across South Asia.

Officials say the steps approved on Thursday by the cabinet aim to stabilize the energy situation in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is heavily dependent on fuel imported and has been battered with price volatility and uncertainty due to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

According to the new rule, government offices must operate from 9 am to 4 pm, and markets and shopping centers?must close by 6 pm to reduce electricity consumption.

The government also urged lower energy consumption in industry, such as reducing excessive lighting.

From Sunday, the education ministry will release guidelines for schools. Options such as changing timetables or switching to online classes are being considered.

The authorities will also allow duty free imports of electric busses for schools with incentives for those who participate.

Bangladesh has rationed petrol to reduce shortages. It also limits vehicle sales, and cuts fuel station hours due to panic buying, hoarding, and long queues.

Authorities have warned that supplies are still tight, even though they eased up during the major holidays.

State-run agencies in Bangladesh are scrambling for energy sources to meet the needs of their population of 175 million people, and exploring alternatives due to volatile global markets.

As rising energy prices further reduce foreign exchange reserves, the government is also seeking an external loan of more than $2 billion to help pay for fuel imports and liquefied gas. (Reporting and editing by Clarence Fernandez; Ruma Paul)

(source: Reuters)