The government has decided to restrict the operating hours of shopping malls, markets and shops across the country until 8:00pm as part of measures to conserve electricity amid an ongoing power and gas crisis.
According to a notification issued by the Power Division on Wednesday, shopping malls, markets and shops will remain open from 11:00am to 8:00pm, replacing the previous closing time of 9:00pm.
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The notification also requires all illuminated billboards to be switched off by 7:00pm and all decorative lighting to remain switched off.
The restrictions will also apply to ongoing and upcoming fairs, trade fairs and cultural programmes across the country, which will have to conclude by 8:00pm.However, food shops, hospitals and pharmacies will remain outside the purview of the new restrictions.
The latest decision supersedes an earlier government directive issued on June 11, under which shopping malls, markets and shops had been allowed to remain open until 9:00pm.
The move comes at a time when Bangladesh is facing renewed pressure on electricity generation largely due to inadequate gas supplies and the rising cost and availability of imported fuels.
More than 40 percent of the country’s electricity generation capacity is gas-based, while declining domestic gas production has increased dependence on imported LNG.
The gas shortage has repeatedly disrupted power generation, forcing authorities to manage electricity supply through load shedding, particularly during periods of high demand.
The country’s peak electricity demand has recently hovered around 18,000 MW, putting additional pressure on the power system during peak hours.
The government has also been trying to secure additional LNG supplies to ease the gas shortage and maintain electricity generation.
The recent geopolitical volatility in global energy markets has added to concerns over fuel supply and import costs.
The government has taken several measures in recent months to conserve electricity and reduce pressure on the national grid, including restrictions on decorative lighting and efforts to manage electricity consumption during peak hours.
The latest restriction on commercial operating hours is expected to reduce evening electricity consumption by shopping centres, markets and shops, particularly through lighting, air-conditioning and other commercial equipment.
The Power Division has instructed the authorities concerned to take necessary measures to ensure compliance with the new schedule.
The government has been pursuing a broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported fuels by increasing the use of renewable energy and indigenous energy resources.
According to government’s policy documents, Bangladesh aims to raise the share of renewable energy in its power mix to 20 percent by 2030, with a longer-term ambition of reaching 30 to 50 percent by 2050.
The authorities are also working to expand rooftop solar and other distributed renewable energy solutions as part of efforts to improve energy security and reduce pressure on conventional power generation.
The latest restrictions indicate that demand-side management remains an important component of the government’s immediate response while efforts continue to address the underlying gas and electricity supply constraints.