Like many other countries, the Government of Bangladesh, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has announced a series of measures to address the impact of soaring global energy prices triggered by the US-Israel war with Iran.
Considering the current situation, the government has called for a coordinated national effort to reduce electricity and energy consumption across the country.
As part of the measures, offices have been asked to maximise the use of natural daylight by keeping windows, doors and blinds open, and to avoid electric lighting when sufficient natural light is available.
Institutions have also been advised to reduce existing lighting by half and avoid using unnecessary lights.
Employees have been instructed to switch off lights, fans, air conditioners and other electrical appliances when not in use.
Air conditioners should be set at 25°C or higher, and all electrical devices must be turned off when leaving office rooms.
The guidelines also recommend reducing unnecessary lighting in corridors, staircases, washrooms and other common areas, while encouraging the use of energy-efficient appliances wherever possible.
After office hours, all electrical equipment, including computers, printers and scanners, must be switched off.
In addition, the government has decided that the traditional decorative lighting on government and private buildings for Eid-ul-Fitr, Independence Day, and National Day will not be arranged this year due to the current situation.
“Considering the circumstances, there will be no decorative illumination for Independence and National Day this year,” Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said after a meeting on the issue.
He explained that the decision was taken as part of austerity measures aimed at conserving energy and preventing a potential fuel crisis.
“Every year, decorative lighting is arranged on government and private buildings to mark Independence and National Day. However, this year the government has decided to refrain from doing so in order to save fuel,” he added.
Furthermore, universities have been instructed to close early to reduce campus electricity consumption ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, a measure that has already taken effect at many campuses.
The government has also introduced a fuel rationing system that limits daily fuel sales at filling stations to prevent panic buying.
Meanwhile, four out of five state-run fertiliser factories have already been shut down to redirect gas supplies to power plants.
Government insiders said the country will enter a long Eid-ul-Fitr holiday from next week, and the authorities may introduce additional measures if the war continues and the energy crisis deepens.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, energy expert Dr. Badrul Imam, a former professor in the Department of Geology at the University of Dhaka, said the government has taken adequate measures.
“Now we need to make people aware of the crisis. Only taking measures or imposing regulations is not enough if people are not aware of the situation,” he said.
“If we can stop unnecessary energy consumption, it will greatly help us as a nation, since we are not directly affected by the war,” he added.
Measures Taken by Other Countries
Neighboring India is exploring alternative sources to import crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG) in case the conflict in West Asia continues.
Indian energy companies have already begun reducing gas supplies to some industrial consumers to manage shortages.
In Pakistan, the government is considering several energy conservation measures across public institutions, educational establishments and official operations.
One key proposal under review is introducing work-from-home arrangements for government offices and public sector institutions where feasible.
Educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities, may also be directed to temporarily shift to online classes.
The Pakistani government has restricted non-essential official activities, including cancelling unnecessary meetings, conferences, and official gatherings that require travel or increased energy consumption. The government has also announced a four-day work week and closed schools for the next two weeks
In addition, Pakistan is communicating with Saudi Arabia to secure alternative oil and gas supplies.
Authorities in South Korea and Thailand have also announced measures to control fuel prices. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said his government would swiftly implement a price cap on petroleum products.
He added that Seoul is ready to introduce additional measures and expand the country’s 100 trillion won (£50bn; $67bn) financial markets stabilization programme if necessary.
In Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urged people not to stockpile fuel and announced plans to cap diesel prices for 15 days. Long queues have recently been reported at petrol stations across the country, with supplies running low at some outlets.
Vietnam’s finance ministry said it is preparing to temporarily remove taxes on fuel imports.
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced plans for a four-day work week for most public offices, excluding essential services such as hospitals and fire stations.
He also urged the public to adopt energy-saving practices, including carpooling, minimising unnecessary travel and maximizing the use of public transportation.
Indonesia plans to absorb the shock of rising oil prices through its state budget by increasing allocations for fuel subsidies, its finance minister said Monday.
The country has budgeted 381.3 trillion rupiah ($22.5bn) for energy subsidies and compensation to state energy firm Pertamina and utility company PLN to keep some fuel prices and electricity tariffs affordable.
Indonesia may also revive a plan to introduce B50 fuel — a blend of 50 percent palm-oil-based biodiesel and 50 percent conventional diesel — later this year due to surging crude prices.
In neighboring Myanmar, the military government has banned half of private vehicles from the roads. Under the new rule, vehicles with even-numbered licence plates can operate only on even dates, while odd-numbered plates may operate on odd dates.
Over the past week, long queues have also been reported at petrol stations across Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
Deepali Bhargava, regional head of research for Asia-Pacific at ING Bank, said in an analysis this week, “Apart from Malaysia and Australia, every major economy runs a sustained deficit in oil and gas trade, leaving them exposed when global prices surge.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that the use of strategic reserves is “an envisaged option” to address the situation.
He added that leaders of the G7 could meet this week to coordinate a response to rising energy prices. France currently holds the rotating presidency of the group.
Separately, finance ministers from G7 nations held a video conference Monday to discuss the global economic repercussions of the war.