The government reinstated a 7:00 PM closure mandate for all retail establishments and shopping malls across Bangladesh on Monday. The directive aims to conserve energy as the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources prepares for a potential retail electricity tariff hike. State Minister Anindya Islam Amit confirmed that the administration is reviewing prices to narrow the widening gap between power purchase costs and consumer rates.

Currently, national power generation capacity stands at 29,000 megawatts, though daily production averages between 15,000 and 16,000 megawatts against a typical demand of 17,000 megawatts. Power Cell Director General Mohammad Khalequzzaman explained that operating expensive oil-based plants to fully meet peak demand remains economically unviable, inflating government subsidies beyond budgetary allocations. According to Power Grid Bangladesh (PGB) records, the nation achieved a historic peak generation of 17,200 megawatts on 20 May, yet faced a 392-megawatt distribution deficit.

The 7:00 PM restriction was originally introduced in April following global fuel shortages triggered by the Middle East conflict, alongside reduced public office hours and a 30% spending cut in utility sectors. Authorities temporarily extended operating hours until 10:00 PM on 10 May to facilitate Eid-ul-Adha commerce before reverting to the austerity measures on 1 June. Escalating import expenses previously compelled the state to increase liquid fuel prices twice between April and early June.

While consumers express anxiety over compounding household expenditures, the government promised safety nets for low-income brackets. State Minister Amit stated that executive directives ensure lifeline and minor consumers, who comprise over 60% of the user base, will be insulated from severe financial shocks. Conversely, Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Energy Advisor M Shamsul Alam warned that any tariff increase would inevitably inflate the production costs of essential commodities and services nationwide.

Retailers have strongly opposed the early shutdowns, arguing that evening hours represent their primary trading period. Bangladesh Shop Owners Association President Md Helal Uddin noted that structural realities in South Asia differ from cold-climate nations, adding that a 7:00 PM curfew disrupts local business hours and coincides with evening prayers. The association plans to formally appeal to the administration for an operational extension until 9:00 PM.