economy
April 12, 2026
Three weeks of fuel, 170 million people: Inside Bangladesh’s worsening fuel shortage
As Hormuz shipping remains uncertain, Dhaka juggles rationing, early shop closures, and hybrid schooling to manage national energy use
TL;DR
- Bangladesh is facing an energy crisis triggered by the Middle East conflict, leading to fuel shortages and long lines at gas pumps.
- Industries like fishing are severely impacted, with thousands of fishermen idle due to a lack of fuel for trawlers.
- The government has introduced measures such as early shop closures (7:00 PM) and is considering hybrid schooling to conserve fuel.
- Officials claim there is no fuel shortage, but acknowledge supply irregularities, panic buying, and market issues.
- The country is working to build a three-month fuel reserve and is diversifying import sources, seeking waivers to buy fuel from Russia and negotiating with various countries.
- Energy analysts predict potential electricity shortages in the summer due to insufficient fuel for power plants, with a significant portion of gas-fired capacity expected to remain offline.
- Gas shortages have already caused five of the country's six fertilizer factories to shut down.
- Bangladesh relies heavily on imports for its oil and gas needs and is exploring alternative suppliers and shipping routes amid geopolitical tensions.
- The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation reports sufficient stocks for immediate needs, but future supply conditions for May and June remain uncertain.
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