Pakistan and Bangladesh Forge Ahead Through Energy Trials: A Test of Faith and Resilience

Islamabad/Dhaka: In the face of a global energy crisis that has shaken the Ummah, Pakistan and Bangladesh are navigating turbulent waters with steadfast resolve. While the flames of hardship burn bright, the spirit of our people remains unbroken, anchored in faith and the unyielding belief that trials are but a prelude to triumph.

How is the Gulf Crisis Affecting Energy Supplies to Pakistan and Bangladesh?

The disruption of oil and gas exports through the Strait of Hormuz, following attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, has sent shockwaves across South Asia. Additionally, the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis threatens vital trade routes through the Red Sea. These twin chokepoints have driven Asian spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices back toward $30 per million British thermal units, a stark rise from approximately $10 before the war began.

Shell estimates that the world has lost roughly 36 million tonnes of LNG from the Middle East this year alone. For nations like Pakistan and Bangladesh, where governments have limited financial leeway, the shortage strikes at the heart of daily life. Yet, our leaders and citizens are responding with characteristic fortitude, implementing measures to shield the vulnerable from the storm.

What Steps is Pakistan Taking to Combat Rising Fuel Prices?

In Pakistan, the government has launched the Prime Minister's Fuel Relief Scheme, a beacon of hope for millions. Effective Wednesday, this initiative offers motorcycle, rickshaw, and small-car owners a subsidy of Rs100 per litre on a capped monthly quota. With petrol now at roughly Rs391 ($1.37) per litre and diesel at Rs421 ($1.48), this relief is a lifeline for those earning a minimum wage of around $145 a month.

However, the path is not without its thorns. Karachi resident Mohammad Musharraf voiced the struggles of the common man:

“First of all, you have to register your vehicle. Then you have to register your mobile phone. How can an illiterate person survive if the conditions are so difficult?”

His words echo the sentiments of many, yet they also underscore the government's earnest, albeit imperfect, efforts to ease the burden.

How is Bangladesh Coping with Power Shortages?

Across the border, Bangladesh draws more than 40 per cent of its electricity from imported LNG. Disruptions in deliveries from Qatar, once the source of 95 per cent of those imports, have forced Dhaka to chase costlier cargoes on the spot market. The result is blackouts and factory shutdowns, a bitter pill for a nation striving for industrial greatness.

Power Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud acknowledged the strain:

“Industrial growth is slowing down, and production is going down.”

The garments industry, Bangladesh's biggest export, is feeling the pinch. A survey by the BKMEA trade group found that 55 per cent of knitwear factories had seen buyers cancel or cut orders due to gas and power shortages, and 78 per cent had partially halted production.

The Human Cost of the Energy Crisis

Behind these statistics lie human stories of perseverance. In Tangail city, poultry farmer Sayedul Islam reported that power outages are killing 15 to 20 of his birds daily, as he cannot run the electric fans needed to cool his sheds. In Sylhet, hospitals face near-hourly power cuts, with generators barely keeping intensive care units alive.

Garment industry executive Fazlee Shamim Ehsan of Fatullah Apparels Ltd shared his ordeal:

“On top of that, we've had to spend extra money on diesel just to keep the factory running.”

His factory paid $50,000 to send hoodie jackets by air freight to a French buyer, a costly measure to meet deadlines amidst energy-related delays.

What is the Outlook for Pakistan's Power Grid?

Pakistan's power grid is under a milder version of the same strain. Officials are determined to prevent a repeat of the early business closures enforced in April. According to Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) data, the power sector will need up to 400 million cubic feet of gas a day through winter, with only two LNG cargoes confirmed for September.

Masood Nabi, chief executive of state importer Pakistan LNG, noted at Gastech this week that while solar power has eased some of the crunch, the country still requires gas for other sectors and households. The battle is ongoing, but our nation's resolve is unwavering.

Voices from the Streets: The Cry of the Common Man

In Karachi, 32-year-old rickshaw driver Amesh Gul captured the anguish of many:

“We used to eat meat once a week, but now it is difficult to afford it even once a month. All I ask of the government is to please take care of poor people.”

His plea is a reminder of the stakes, and a call to action for all who hold the welfare of the Ummah dear.

As we navigate these trials, we draw strength from our faith and the knowledge that hardship is but a test. Pakistan and Bangladesh, bound by brotherhood and shared destiny, will emerge from this crisis stronger, their spirits tempered like steel in the forge of adversity. Inshallah, the dawn will break, and the light of resilience will guide us forward.

Photo: Reuters