A special parliamentary committee formed to address the energy crisis has put forward 12 recommendations, including prioritising renewable energy, expanding strategic fuel reserves to ensure at least three months of supply capacity, diversifying import sources, and introducing digital monitoring through full automation of the fuel supply system. The recommendations were presented yesterday during the National Parliament session through a report submitted by Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, who chaired the special committee.
The 10 member special committee was formed during a meeting held on April 26 under the chairmanship of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed during the first session of the 13th National Parliament. The committee, headed by Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, was given a 30 day mandate. Its responsibility was to recommend measures to address the recent energy crisis and submit a report to Parliament. The committee held two meetings on May 3 and May 19, where the overall situation was discussed.
The 12 point recommendations were finalised during those meetings.
According to the recommendations, strategic fuel reserves should be expanded to ensure at least three months of supply capacity. Import sources should be diversified. The fuel supply system should be fully automated and brought under digital monitoring.
Strict legal measures should be strengthened to prevent illegal stockpiling and smuggling. The use of alternative energy sources, including LNG and renewable energy, should be expanded. The Dhaka Chattogram pipeline, the SPM project and ERL 2 should be implemented quickly. Public awareness activities should be intensified. In addition, a study should be conducted to assess the feasibility of importing fuel products through private companies alongside BPC.
The committee also recommended making rooftop solar panel installation mandatory, while ensuring that the relevant ministry strengthens monitoring to verify whether the solar systems remain operational. Effective plans should be formulated and implemented to reduce system losses. Necessary plans should also be developed and implemented to ensure electricity generation from oil, gas, coal, solar and wind energy sources. Furthermore, the committee recommended incorporating any proposals submitted by the opposition in line with the committee’s mandate.
The committee’s report stated that the recent energy situation has created an important opportunity to reassess the country’s energy security framework. In light of instability in the global energy market and prevailing geopolitical realities, it is now essential to make the country’s long term energy policy, infrastructure and supply system more stable, diversified and technology driven. The committee believes the recent energy situation should be viewed as an important warning for Bangladesh. Although the current crisis has been managed successfully, ensuring long term energy security requires structural reforms, infrastructure development, diversified energy sources and an integrated national strategy. The committee expressed hope that through timely government action, parliamentary oversight, the use of modern technology and public cooperation, a stronger, more stable and sustainable energy system can be established in the future.
The report also incorporated 10 recommendations from the opposition. These recommendations stated that the government should conduct an independent study through a committee of experts free from political influence to forecast future economic growth and the resulting demand for electricity and energy. The government should avoid producing exaggerated demand projections. At present, there may not be a need to further expand installed generation capacity. Since coal based power generation remains the most cost effective option, maximum utilisation of coal resources should be considered. Cost effective and safe solutions should be explored to transport coal from Barapukuria to other coal fired power plants or sell it elsewhere to prevent spontaneous combustion.
Considering that imported gas is significantly more expensive than domestically produced gas, the opposition recommended maximising gas based power generation by increasing domestic gas supply, strengthening BAPEX and national capacity, expanding infrastructure and accelerating offshore energy exploration to unlock new domestic resources. In this context, domestic natural gas production should be increased through workover operations at gas wells and by prioritising high yield wells to ensure meaningful increases in supply at comparatively lower cost. Gas infrastructure should be expanded by improving pipeline connections from the Bhola, Jamalpur and Zakiganj fields and ensuring reliable gas supply to power plants. Gas exploration activities onshore and offshore should also be undertaken with the support of reputable international companies through foreign direct investment.
The government informed the committee about the discovery of a crude oil well in Sylhet. Various media reports have also mentioned the possibility of crude oil reserves in other parts of the country. The government should continue transparent crude oil exploration efforts in other areas.
To strengthen energy import and refining infrastructure, the newly installed Single Point Mooring system should be made operational immediately. Operations related to the Single Point Mooring system at Chattogram’s Eastern Refinery should begin without delay to improve fuel handling efficiency and ensure reliable energy supply. Full financing should be secured for the second phase expansion of Eastern Refinery. To enhance energy security and operational efficiency, the refinery should consider processing a broader mix of crude oil, including heavy crude rather than relying solely on light crude. Automated gauging systems should be introduced to determine fuel storage levels at depots and terminals, while modern digital monitoring systems should be implemented throughout the fuel distribution chain from tankers to end users.
Solar power generation should be maximised through large scale solar projects and storage development. In this regard, net metering policies should be effectively implemented to encourage rooftop solar adoption, supportive policies should be introduced to accelerate distributed solar generation, and battery storage systems should be integrated to improve reliability and manage intermittent generation. Large scale solar projects should be encouraged to diversify the energy sector and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. By 2030, solar energy should account for at least 10 percent of national electricity demand, compared with the current level of approximately 1 percent. However, proper technical and financial evaluations must be conducted to address fluctuations in solar generation during monsoon and winter seasons and to consider capacity charge related issues arising from expectations of using solar power as a base load source. Import and sales taxes on solar modules and related equipment should also be withdrawn.
The report further stated that Kaptai Hydroelectric Dam currently generates hydroelectric power, although output fluctuates significantly due to irregular rainfall. Climate change may make production even more uncertain. Therefore, a study should be conducted to assess the potential of micro hydro projects in the hill districts. The government should also commission a study to explore opportunities for generating additional electricity from strong river currents. The proposed Padma Barrage is expected to generate 125 megawatts of electricity. During periods of energy shortages, government offices should reduce vehicle usage and maximise vehicle seating capacity.
The opposition also suggested preparing a strategic roadmap through consultations with experts, institutions and political parties to ensure sustainable energy and electricity supply and strengthen long term energy security.
Regarding diversification of power and energy sources, the report strongly recommended reducing dependence on any single source of energy while ensuring environmental balance. Research should also be conducted on hydrogen fuel technology, biogas and waste to energy solutions.
