The Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources has requested Tk 63,000 crore ($5.17 billion) from the Finance Division to ensure an uninterrupted power and energy supply during the summer, covering LNG, electricity, and fuel imports as well as outstanding bills from March to June. The total unpaid dues in the power and energy sector have reached nearly Tk 50,000 crore.

As temperatures rise with the start of the summer season, electricity demand is expected to exceed 18,000 MW in April and May, coinciding with the irrigation period. The Power Development Board predicts a potential shortfall of 1,500 MW due to supply constraints, which could rise to over 3,000 MW if energy imports are disrupted due to financial and dollar shortages.

Although the country’s total power generation capacity stands at 27,115 MW, supply challenges persist due to fuel shortages, maintenance issues, and inefficiencies. To maintain stable electricity supply during the summer, daily requirements include 150,000 tons of furnace oil, 15,000–16,000 tons of diesel, and 40,000 tons of coal. Additionally, power plants need 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day, but the current supply averages 1.05 billion cubic feet, which will be increased to 1.2 billion cubic feet from April.

Due to financial constraints, coal, furnace oil, and gas imports were disrupted last year, leading to power plant shutdowns at Payra, Rampal, and S. Alam, exacerbating load shedding. In response, the Sheikh Hasina-led government imposed scheduled blackouts nationwide. Unpaid bills in the power and energy sector are increasing again, with outstanding payments exceeding Tk 50,000 crore. Power purchase dues alone have surpassed Tk 40,000 crore, prompting companies to demand urgent settlements from the interim government.

K.M. Rezaul Hasnat, president of the Bangladesh Independent Power Producers Association (BIPPA), acknowledged the government’s financial crisis but warned that without payments, power producers would struggle to maintain supply, worsening the summer electricity situation. Multinational firms like Chevron and LNG suppliers are owed around Tk 5,000 crore, while fuel companies are awaiting Tk 5,000 crore from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC).

Energy expert Prof. Dr. Badrul Imam emphasized the country’s heavy reliance on imported coal, LNG, and fuel, warning that delays in financial disbursements could lead to severe power shortages and increased load shedding during the summer months.

To address these challenges, the government has sought additional funds. Power and Energy Adviser Fawzul Kabir Khan confirmed that extra funds were requested to meet summer energy demands and clear outstanding bills. A power sector official revealed that Tk 14,030 crore ($1.15 billion) is needed until June to settle ongoing and overdue power bills, including Tk 9,068 crore for electricity imported from India (excluding Adani) and the rest for coal purchases. Additionally, private power plants require Tk 7,673 crore for bill payments from March to June.

The Energy Division has also requested Tk 20,388 crore for the import of 36 LNG cargoes between March and June, including Tk 5,770 crore to clear outstanding LNG bills. Another Tk 20,923 crore is required for fuel imports and repayments to the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).