Bangladesh shuts universities, urges citizens to cut fuel use amid West Asia war concerns

In this aerial photo labourers work atop an electric tower in Keraniganj on the outskirt of Dhaka on March 2, 2021. (Photo by Munir UZ ZAMAN / AFP)

Bangladesh has ordered all universities closed and urged citizens to cut fuel and electricity use amid fears the West Asia conflict could disrupt global energy supplies. The government aims to conserve resources and prevent shortages in the import-dependent economy.

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Amid mounting concerns over the global energy fallout from the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Bangladesh has ordered the closure of all public and private universities across the country from Monday as part of measures to reduce electricity and fuel consumption.

The directive was issued by the Ministry of Education through an office order signed by assistant secretary Sultan Ahmed.

According to the notice, universities will remain shut in accordance with the Eid-ul-Fitr academic schedule. Officials said the closure will also help curb energy usage at a time when the government is preparing for possible disruptions in global fuel supplies.

The step comes as the newly installed administration led by Tarique Rehman moves to implement austerity measures aimed at lowering nationwide energy consumption.

Energy concerns amid Middle East conflict

Authorities in Dhaka fear that the ongoing war in West Asia could destabilise global energy markets and disrupt supply chains, posing challenges for energy import dependent economies such as Bangladesh.

Like several South Asian countries, Bangladesh relies heavily on imported fuel to power its electricity generation and transportation sectors. Any spike in global oil prices or interruptions in supply routes could quickly translate into domestic energy shortages.

Officials say the precautionary measures are meant to reduce demand and conserve available fuel reserves as the government monitors developments in the Middle East.

Government urges citizens to reduce fuel use

Alongside the university shutdown, the government has asked citizens to cut back on fuel and electricity consumption.

In a circular issued by the Energy Ministry, people were advised to avoid unnecessary travel in order to reduce fuel usage.

The advisory follows reports of panic buying at fuel stations in the capital, Dhaka. Motorists were seen lining up in long queues last week amid fears of potential shortages.

Operators at several filling stations said demand rose sharply, with vehicles arriving early in the morning and some drivers waiting up to three hours to refuel.

Calls for electricity conservation

Authorities have also appealed to households and businesses to reduce electricity consumption.

Residents have been asked to avoid decorative lighting and use power more cautiously in the coming weeks. The government has also encouraged people to rely more on public transport and limit the use of private vehicles in order to curb fuel demand.

Officials say these steps are intended to ease pressure on the national energy system if global supplies tighten further.

Vulnerability of energy importing economies

Energy analysts note that countries in South Asia remain particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil markets.

Bangladesh, like Sri Lanka and several other regional economies, depends heavily on imported fuel for electricity production, industry and transportation.

This reliance makes the country sensitive to international price shocks or disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions.

Short term reserves remain stable

Despite the precautionary measures, officials say Bangladesh currently has sufficient fuel stocks for the immediate future.

Officials from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation said the country holds adequate reserves to meet short term demand.

However, they cautioned that Bangladesh’s overall energy security remains exposed to external developments, particularly those originating in the oil rich Middle East.

As the conflict in West Asia continues to unfold, Dhaka appears to be taking early steps to conserve resources and prevent the type of energy shortages that have previously strained several import dependent economies.