Commerce Minister Moktadir: No Quick Solution to the Country’s Energy Crisis

❐ Staff Reporter

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said that there is no possibility of a quick solution to the country’s ongoing energy crisis. However, he said that the government is working with utmost importance to resolve the problem.

He said this in response to questions from journalists after a meeting on setting export targets for the 2026-27 fiscal year at the Secretariat on Sunday, July 26.

Responding to a question regarding the energy crisis, the Commerce Minister said, “The reality is the reality. There is no scope to increase the gas available from under the country’s soil. 900 million cubic feet of LNG is being imported.”

“Currently, there are two FSRUs. It is not possible to import more LNG through these two FSRUs. Therefore, there is no possibility of improving the energy situation overnight,” he said.

The minister said that the ministry has planned to establish two more FSRUs. The government is working on this issue with utmost importance.

The Minister of Commerce and Industry said, “It is true that 30 percent of the installed capacity of Bangladesh’s industrial factories is not being utilized due to the energy crisis. However, there is no overnight solution. The government is working with utmost importance to solve this problem.”

In response to another question, the Commerce Minister said that despite the domestic energy shortage and other obstacles, it is possible to achieve a 15 percent growth in exports. The current government has taken various initiatives to expand business in the country. Trade agreements will be signed with 5-6 countries by December.

Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan and leaders of major export sector organizations were present at the press conference held at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce at the Secretariat.