Published: 11:12 PM, 19 September 2026
Poor Electricity Supply Obstructs Fertilizer Production
Unreliable electricity supply has become a major obstacle to fertilizer production in Bangladesh, creating concerns for farmers, industries and the country's food security. Fertilizer factories require a continuous supply of electricity and gas to maintain production. Frequent power interruptions and shortages can force plants to reduce production or suspend operations, creating pressure on the domestic fertilizer market.
Bangladesh is an agriculture-dependent country where chemical fertilizers, particularly urea, play an important role in maintaining crop yields. Millions of farmers depend on timely supplies of fertilizer for cultivating rice, vegetables and other crops. Any disruption in domestic production can therefore have consequences far beyond the factories themselves.
Fertilizer manufacturing is an energy-intensive process. Large quantities of natural gas and electricity are required, particularly for producing urea. When electricity supplies become unstable, production machinery cannot operate efficiently. Sudden interruptions can also damage equipment, disrupt production schedules and increase operating costs. Factories may require additional time and resources to restart their operations after an unexpected shutdown.
The problem becomes especially serious during peak agricultural seasons. Farmers need fertilizer at specific times, depending on the crop and cultivation cycle. If production declines during these periods, authorities may have to increase imports to maintain adequate supplies. Importing fertilizer can put additional pressure on foreign exchange reserves and increase government expenditure, particularly when international prices are high. Bangladesh has made significant efforts to ensure fertilizer availability through domestic production and imports. However, a stronger and more reliable energy supply is necessary for the long-term stability of the fertilizer sector. Continuous electricity can help factories operate closer to their capacity, reduce production losses and improve efficiency.
The issue is not limited to electricity alone. Natural gas shortages can also affect fertilizer plants because gas is a major raw material and energy source for urea production. A coordinated energy policy is therefore essential. The government and relevant agencies need to ensure that strategically important fertilizer factories receive reliable supplies of both electricity and gas, especially during critical agricultural seasons.
Modernizing old power and fertilizer plants could also help. More efficient machinery can reduce energy consumption and improve productivity. Investment in renewable energy and improved electricity-grid infrastructure may provide additional support in the long term, although large industrial facilities will still require dependable grid power. Experts also emphasize the importance of proper planning and maintenance. Power-generation and distribution systems should be upgraded to reduce unexpected failures. Fertilizer factories, meanwhile, need regular maintenance and modern production technology to minimize downtime.
