Hit by soaring global oil prices, Bangladesh announces the closure of universities nationwide to conserve energy.
Bangladesh has announced the closure of universities nationwide and moved the Eid al-Fitr holiday forward to conserve electricity and fuel amid a worsening energy crisis.
On March 9, 2569 at 11.55:XNUMX p.m., Nikkei Asia reported that The Bangladeshi government announced the closure of universities nationwide from Monday, shifting the Eid al-Fitr holiday forward. As an emergency measure to conserve electricity and fuel amid the worsening energy crisis stemming from conflicts in the Middle East.
Officials stated that the measures cover all public and private universities and are expected to reduce electricity consumption and alleviate traffic congestion, which is a contributing factor to fuel waste.
Officials explained that the university campus uses a significant amount of electricity, including for student dorms, classrooms, laboratories, and air conditioning systems. Closing the university in advance therefore helped to reduce pressure on the country's power system, which was facing strain.
Previously, both public and private schools in Bangladesh were already closed during Ramadan, resulting in most educational institutions across the country being closed entirely during this period.
Bangladesh is facing uncertainty regarding its energy supply as global energy markets are impacted by conflicts in the Middle East. The country relies heavily on energy imports, accounting for up to 95% of its total energy needs.
Last Friday, the government imposed daily fuel sales quotas following panic buying and hoarding. Additionally, the government requested that international schools and private tutoring centers temporarily suspend classes to help reduce electricity consumption during the crisis.
Meanwhile, a severe gas shortage forced Bangladesh to shut down production at four out of five state-owned fertilizer plants and divert available gas to power plants to prevent widespread blackouts.
Bangladesh also has to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the spot market at significantly higher prices, while simultaneously striving to secure additional energy commodities to fill supply gaps.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Energy. specify that "We are doing everything we can to reduce energy consumption and maintain the stability of the electricity system, fuel, and imports."
refer : asia.nikkei.com
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