Bangladesh Bank has asked scheduled banks to adopt precautionary measures to save electricity, gas and fuel oil amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global energy supply.

In a circular issued on Wednesday, the central bank asked banks to keep air-conditioner temperatures at no lower than 25 degrees Celsius and encouraged officials to use public transport instead of private vehicles.

BB took the initiative amid growing global uncertainty following the US-Israel attack on Iran on February 28 and subsequent retaliation, which has raised concerns over energy supply disruptions and rising fuel prices.

To cut fuel consumption in transport, the circular advised banks and their officials to exercise restraint in both personal and institutional use of vehicles.

Officials were encouraged to use public transport instead of private cars and to follow ride-sharing arrangements where feasible.

Unnecessary travel should be limited or avoided to reduce fuel use.

The directive said disruptions in the international energy supply chain due to the global situation had made it necessary to follow energy-saving practices.

In this context, several measures were set for the head offices, branches, sub-branches and other offices of banks to reduce electricity and fuel consumption.

According to the circular, electric lights, fans, air conditioners and other appliances inside offices must be used only when necessary and kept switched off when not in use.

The central bank also asked banks to strictly follow the prescribed schedules and restrictions for decorative lighting and promotional digital display boards at bank buildings.

Excessive and unnecessary lighting should be avoided, it said.