Fuel shortages, weak transmission put energy security at risk: AmCham

Energy security has become "critically important" for Bangladesh as the country grapples with fuel shortages, outdated transmission systems and declining gas reserves, said Syed Ershad Ahmed, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham).

He made the comment at a focus group discussion, titled "Powering Bangladesh Toward Energy Security", organised by AmCham, at Sheraton Dhaka in the capital's Banani on Tuesday, according to a press release.

"The country's energy sector faces persistent fuel shortages, outdated transmission systems, declining gas reserves, and overreliance on imported fuels, which undermine reliability and industrial growth," he said.

Strengthening regulatory governance, accelerating exploration, upgrading infrastructure, expanding renewables and enabling clearer investment pathways are essential to building a resilient, secure and future-ready energy ecosystem, he added.

The event was supported by Chevron Bangladesh, whose 30-year partnership has significantly contributed to Bangladesh's economic growth and community development. The company has invested approximately $4.2 billion and is currently the country's largest gas producer, supplying nearly 60 percent of domestic demand.

Paul Frost, commercial counselor at the US Embassy in Dhaka, moderated the session, reflecting the continued commitment to strengthening US-Bangladesh trade and investment cooperation.

Eric M Walker, vice-president of AmCham and president of Chevron Bangladesh; Prof M Tamim, petroleum and mineral resources engineering scholar and vice-chancellor of the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT); and Muhammad Imrul Kabir, director of corporate affairs at Chevron Bangladesh, along with AmCham members from the power and energy sector and senior executives from leading companies, were also present.