Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector is facing increasing production disruptions as frequent load shedding and gas shortages continue to reduce factory operating hours. The situation is making production planning difficult, increasing operational costs and putting pressure on factories to meet export commitments.
A load-shedding record from August 2026 highlights the severity of the situation. Between 1 and 15 August, AR Jeans Producer Ltd recorded 77.14 hours of load shedding, while FGS Denim Wear Ltd experienced 82.23 hours and Chantik Garments Ltd recorded 36.88 hours. The figures demonstrate the extent to which energy interruptions are affecting industrial operations.
Immediate Government Action Needed
Industry stakeholders believe the government should introduce an immediate and predictable gas and electricity rationing schedule for textile and apparel factories. Instead of unexpected interruptions, factories should receive a clear schedule so they can adjust production, manpower, and delivery plans accordingly.
Nazmul Kabir, Managing Director of Fashion Globe Group, said that a predictable energy supply is essential for maintaining production and meeting export commitments. The textile sector does not necessarily need uninterrupted power and gas at every moment, but it urgently needs a predictable supply schedule. If the government can provide a clear load-shedding and gas rationing plan, factories can organize shifts, production targets and manpower accordingly. At present, unexpected power and gas interruptions are disrupting production and increasing operational costs. The government should immediately introduce a coordinated 2–3 hour gas rationing and power management schedule for industrial areas, while also supporting factories in expanding rooftop solar capacity. A planned approach will help factories survive the current crisis and protect Bangladesh’s export competitiveness.
Key Measures Required
- Planned load shedding: Electricity interruptions should be limited to a predictable period, ideally around two hours at a time, allowing factories to organize production shifts.
- Gas rationing schedule: Introduce a transparent 2–3-hour gas rationing plan during peak-demand periods, while maintaining supply during critical production windows.
- Production-based scheduling: Coordinate gas and electricity supply with factory production plans so export-oriented manufacturers can use their available operating hours efficiently.
- Technical problem solving: Utility providers should urgently identify and resolve technical problems responsible for avoidable power and gas disruptions.
- Solar expansion: Factories should be encouraged to install rooftop solar systems, with a target of meeting around 30% of daytime electricity demand through renewable energy where technically feasible.
- Support for financially weak factories: The government could consider leasing or restructuring viable but financially distressed factories under capable business operators to preserve production capacity and employment.
- Banking-sector follow-up: Banks should closely monitor distressed textile and garment factories and introduce suitable restructuring and working-capital support for businesses with viable operations.
Predictability Is as Important as Supply
For textile manufacturers, the challenge is not only the shortage of electricity and gas but also the lack of predictability. A factory can adjust its production when it knows when energy will be available. However, unexpected interruptions can disrupt machinery, production lines, worker shifts, production targets and delivery schedules. A coordinated energy schedule would allow factories to plan their operations around available power and gas, minimize idle time and better manage production costs.
The government therefore needs to move urgently toward a coordinated energy rationing and production-support plan for the textile sector. A predictable schedule, combined with technical improvements, renewable energy investment and targeted financial support, could help factories maintain production and protect Bangladesh’s export competitiveness. Planned energy management is urgently needed to keep textile factories operational, protect employment and sustain Bangladesh’s export industry.
