Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) sector in Chattogram is under growing strain as extended power outages and rising fuel costs disrupt production and push operating expenses up by around 20%.
Factory owners report three to four hours of load shedding within an eight-hour shift, forcing heavy reliance on diesel generators. Daily fuel costs have nearly doubled, while frequent power switching is damaging machinery and reducing efficiency.
Industry data shows only 348 of 699 factories are currently operational in the region, reflecting the impact of unreliable energy supply. Delayed production is also affecting export timelines, with some manufacturers resorting to costly air shipments to meet deadlines.
Rising freight, transport, and container handling costs are further compounding financial pressure, prompting concerns over declining orders and shifting buyer interest to competing markets.
Industry leaders warn that prolonged energy instability could lead to factory closures, job losses, and reduced export earnings, urging urgent measures to stabilise power and gas supply.
