DSE cuts trading hours by 30 minutes amid fuel crisis

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has announced a reduction in its daily trading hours by 30 minutes in response to the ongoing fuel crisis, aligning its operational schedule with a government directive aimed at conserving energy.

In a notice issued today (4 April), the premier bourse said the revised trading and office hours will come into effect from today and will remain in force until further notice. The move reflects broader efforts by authorities to manage energy consumption amid concerns over fuel supply constraints and rising global energy prices.

Under the new schedule, DSE office hours will run from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The trading session will now begin at 10:00am and continue until 2:00pm, shortened from the previous closing time at 2:30 pm. The continuous trading session will take place between 10:00am and 1:55pm, followed by a five-minute post-closing session from 1:55pm to 2:00pm.

The decision comes at a time when the country is grappling with energy-related challenges, prompting the government to adopt a series of measures to optimise fuel usage across sectors. Financial markets, like other institutions, are being brought under these measures to ensure coordinated efforts in addressing the crisis.

Officials at the DSE said the adjustment is part of a compliance effort and aims to support national initiatives without disrupting market operations significantly. They added that the revised schedule has been carefully structured to maintain an efficient trading environment while contributing to energy-saving goals.

Investors and brokerage houses have been advised to take note of the new timings and plan their activities accordingly. The DSE also assured stakeholders that any further changes to the schedule would be communicated promptly, depending on the evolving situation.