Bangladesh shutters universities early as energy crunch deepens
Dhaka, March 9 – Bangladesh ordered all public and private universities to close from Monday, bringing forward Eid al-Fitr holidays in an effort to conserve electricity and fuel as the country grapples with a worsening energy crisis linked to conflict in the Middle East.
Authorities said the directive applies nationwide and is intended to cut electricity consumption and reduce traffic congestion, which officials say contributes to higher fuel use. University campuses in the country consume large amounts of electricity for residential halls, classrooms, laboratories and air-conditioning systems, placing additional strain on the national power grid.
Officials said the early closure of universities is part of emergency measures designed to ease pressure on the country’s power system as energy supplies tighten.
Government and private schools in Bangladesh are already closed for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, meaning most educational institutions across the country will remain shut during this period.
The decision comes as Bangladesh faces growing uncertainty over fuel and gas supplies following disruptions to global energy markets caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The country relies on imports for about 95% of its energy needs, making it highly vulnerable to volatility in international fuel markets.Authorities imposed daily limits on fuel sales on Friday after panic buying and stockpiling intensified pressure on domestic supplies.
As part of wider efforts to reduce electricity consumption, the government has also asked foreign-curriculum schools and private coaching centres to suspend operations during the same period.
Severe gas shortages have already forced Bangladesh to halt operations at four of its five state-run fertiliser factories, redirecting available gas to power plants to prevent widespread electricity outages. The country has also turned to the spot market to purchase liquefied natural gas at sharply higher prices while seeking additional cargoes to bridge supply gaps.
“We are doing everything we can to reduce consumption and ensure stability in power, fuel and import supplies,” a senior energy ministry official said.
