Middle East Conflict Impact: Bangladesh Faces Fuel Shortage and Power Cuts
Energy Crisis Hits Bangladesh: Universities Shut to Save Electricity: Bangladesh is facing growing concerns over a possible energy crisis as global tensions continue to affect oil supplies. In response, the government has taken several precautionary steps, including temporarily closing universities and limiting the purchase of fuel. The situation has been influenced by rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. After recent attacks, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned about closing the vital Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
According to reports, the government has ordered all public and private universities across Bangladesh to remain closed starting March 9. The decision was reportedly taken by the Ministry of Education (Bangladesh) as part of a broader plan to conserve electricity and energy nationwide.
Officials say the closure has also been aligned with the academic holidays for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr, allowing the government to reduce electricity consumption during a period when demand is already high.
At the same time, concerns about fuel availability have grown across the country. Long queues have been reported at petrol pumps as people rush to buy petrol and diesel amid fears of shortages. In many areas, drivers have reportedly waited for hours to refuel their vehicles.
To prevent panic buying and hoarding, the government has introduced strict limits on how much fuel people can purchase. The rules were announced by the state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), which is responsible for importing and distributing fuel in the country.
Under the new restrictions:
- Motorcycle riders can buy only 2 liters of petrol per day
- Private cars are limited to 10 liters
- SUVs, jeeps, and minibuses can buy 20–25 liters
- Local buses are allowed 70–80 liters
- Trucks and containers can purchase 200–220 liters of diesel
