Dhaka, Jan. 25 -- The demand for electricity will rise by nearly 1,500 MW to around 16,000 MW during the irrigation season this year, State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid has said.

Speaking at the Bidyut Bhaban on Tuesday during an inter-ministerial meeting, Nasrul instructed agencies to prepare for the heightened demand so that uninterrupted supplies can be ensured.

Last year, the demand for power peaked at 14,782 MW on Apr 16 during irrigation but the supply was uninterrupted as Bangladesh's capacity to generate power increased.

But a shortage of fuel after Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused a power supply crunch, starting in June. The shortage hit 2,000 MW at that time.

The situation eased after the demand for cooling ...