Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on Monday said the country’s power situation will improve from next week and load shedding will come down.
He made the remarks while speaking at a discussion titled “Bangladesh–China Renewable Energy Forum” organised by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
The minister said “The government aims to produce 10,000 megawatts of solar power over the next five years.”
“The electricity situation will improve from next week and load shedding will decrease” he added.
He also said import costs of fuel oil have increased by around US$2 billion. He added that about Tk56,000 crore in arrears in the power sector is yet to be paid.
Meanwhile, load shedding continues across the country amid an energy shortage caused by tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Authorities recently said steps have been taken to balance load shedding between rural and urban areas.
Power Division Joint Secretary Umme Rehana earlier said ‘Fuel imports for power generation have been affected due to the Middle East conflict, resulting in lower electricity production than required.”
In addition, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Anindya Islam Amit had earlier said that “A pilot load shedding plan of 110 megawatts was being implemented in Dhaka.”
He told parliament that load shedding may also be introduced in cities to ensure fairness.
The Power Division said the plan aims to reduce shortages in rural areas and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for agriculture, irrigation and the rural economy.
