Shops and Malls Ordered to Close by 8 P.M. as Electricity Crisis Deepens

Bangladesh has tightened nationwide electricity-saving measures as a worsening gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shortage puts increasing pressure on the country’s power grid.

Under the latest measures, shops, markets and shopping malls must close by 8 p.m., as authorities seek to reduce electricity consumption during the evening peak. The government has also introduced other conservation measures as power shortages continue to affect businesses and households.

The energy crisis has been aggravated by declining domestic gas supplies and reduced LNG availability, limiting the amount of fuel available for gas-fired power plants. Some parts of Bangladesh have experienced electricity outages lasting up to 10 to 12 hours a day.

The country’s gas supply has fallen sharply below demand, putting additional pressure on electricity generation and forcing authorities to take emergency steps to manage limited supplies.

For traders, however, the earlier closing time comes at a significant cost. Evening hours are traditionally an important period for retail activity, and business owners have questioned whether closing shops earlier will generate enough electricity savings to justify the economic impact.

The restrictions come as Bangladesh faces broader energy pressures linked to disruptions in global fuel markets and the ongoing regional crisis. The country has become increasingly dependent on imported LNG as domestic gas production declines, leaving its power sector vulnerable to supply disruptions and higher import costs.

Authorities are now attempting to balance electricity conservation with the needs of businesses, industries and households as the power crisis continues.

The latest measures highlight the growing challenge facing Bangladesh: securing reliable energy supplies while maintaining economic activity in a country where demand for electricity continues to rise.