Power generation in Bangladesh has declined due to shortages of gas, coal and fuel oil, along with technical problems at several power plants. As a result, load shedding and public suffering have increased amid the ongoing heat.

According to data from the Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB) and Power Grid Bangladesh, power generation was disrupted at 62 plants across the country on Thursday. Of these, 20 plants were completely shut down, while the others were operating at reduced capacity. Load shedding reached 3,664 megawatts during the day’s peak period.

Although the country’s total power generation capacity is around 29,000 megawatts, only 13,282 megawatts were supplied during peak demand. Demand at the time stood at 16,946 megawatts.

The PDB said gas shortages have prevented the generation of around 5,000 megawatts of electricity. In addition, the Payra and Barapukuria power plants were affected by technical problems, while one unit at Matarbari remains shut for maintenance. Coal supply shortages have also prevented the Adani power plant from operating at full capacity.

The situation is worse in rural areas outside Dhaka. Due to the supply shortage, areas under the Rural Electrification Board are experiencing load shedding multiple times at the same locations.

PDB officials said efforts are underway to increase generation from fuel-oil-fired power plants to manage the situation. However, doing so would significantly increase the cost of electricity generation.