Power Cuts Deepen Crisis in Bangladesh’s Handloom Industry as Fuel Costs Surge Fourfold

A deepening electricity crisis is severely impacting Bangladesh’s traditional handloom industry in Sirajganj, where frequent load shedding has brought production to a near standstill and driven fuel costs up by as much as four times.

In the Enayetpur area and surrounding weaving clusters, power outages have forced power loom units to remain idle for long hours. To keep production running, many factory owners are relying on diesel-powered generators, but the rising fuel cost has made production increasingly unsustainable.

Local handloom owners and workers say that the cost of producing a single saree or piece of fabric has increased significantly compared to previous years. Small and medium-scale producers are reportedly under the most pressure, as they struggle to absorb rising operational expenses.

A field visit to Khama village in Enayetpur revealed a largely inactive production environment. With no electricity, machines remained shut down inside factories. Workers were seen spending idle hours sitting around, chatting, using mobile phones, or playing informal games to pass the time.

Workers complain that irregular electricity supply has disrupted their daily income, while diesel is also not consistently available or affordable. As a result, earnings have declined, and living conditions have become increasingly difficult.

Factory owners say that even after purchasing expensive fuel, they are unable to meet production targets. Delays in order deliveries are causing financial losses, forcing many to rely on bank loans to keep their businesses afloat.

Industry stakeholders note that Sirajganj’s handloom sector was once a major contributor to Bangladesh’s traditional textile economy. However, ongoing power shortages, rising fuel prices, increased raw material costs, and unstable market conditions have forced many units to shut down.

Overall production has reportedly dropped by nearly half, while costs have increased several times over. As a result, many small-scale weavers are abandoning the trade altogether.

According to the National Weavers Association, larger factories are managing to survive to some extent, but small-scale operators are bearing the brunt of the crisis. They warn that without urgent intervention, this historically significant industry could face even greater decline in the near future.

Source: Naya Diganta