Govt subsidies fuel by Tk 1.67bn daily to ease public burden: State Minister

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam (Amit) revealed Friday that the government is absorbing a daily fuel subsidy of Tk 1.67 billion to shield the public from price increases amid global energy market volatility.

Speaking as chief guest at a cheque distribution ceremony for underprivileged individuals in Jashore around noon, the state minister emphasized the government's commitment to preventing additional burdens on citizens despite international pressures.

Aninda Islam explained that fuel price increases would trigger cascading cost rises across electricity, public transportation, and food sectors. He stressed that the government refuses to raise fuel prices despite facing pressure from various sources.

"The government is ensuring public suffering does not increase under any circumstances, which is why it provides Tk 1.67 billion in daily fuel subsidies," the minister stated.

Addressing supply concerns that have generated public anxiety, Aninda Islam assured that fuel demand can be met through April. He noted that while approximately 80 countries have raised fuel prices recently, Bangladesh has maintained stable pricing despite abnormally elevated demand levels.

The state minister disclosed that daily diesel consumption historically averaged around 12,000 tonnes, with petrol and octane demand reaching 1,200-1,400 tonnes. However, ahead of Eid festivities, daily diesel supply surged to 24,000-25,000 tonnes.

The government currently possesses capacity to satisfy demand until April and has initiated efforts to establish a 90-day strategic fuel reserve for future security, according to Aninda Islam.

The Jashore event, organized by the Department of Social Services at the Deputy Commissioner's office conference room, distributed one-time financial assistance to 153 disadvantaged individuals. The state minister personally handed cheques to beneficiaries.

Aninda Islam emphasized governmental responsibility to create supportive environments for all citizens. He traced social safety net programs to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's 1991 government, noting subsequent administrations expanded beneficiary numbers and allowance amounts.

However, the minister alleged that genuine beneficiaries were deprived during the Awami League's 15-year governance period. He pledged that current distribution would target only entitled recipients regardless of political or religious identity.

Elected from Jashore-3 constituency as a BNP candidate in the 13th national election, Aninda Islam referenced pre-election door-to-door campaigns where his team listened to deprived citizens' grievances.

He highlighted ongoing implementation of election commitments including family card introductions, allowances for religious leaders, and farmers' cards scheduled for Pahela Baishakh launch.

The minister urged individuals alongside the state to uphold neighbors' and relatives' rights, reducing societal disadvantage.

Mohammad Ashek Hasan, Jashore Deputy Commissioner, chaired the program. Harun Or Rashid, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services in Jashore, delivered the welcome address.

Other attendees included Delwar Hossain (Khokon), Jashore District Council administrator and district BNP general secretary; Syed Rafiqul Islam, Jashore police superintendent; Sujan Sarkar, additional deputy commissioner; and Zahid Hasan (Tukun), press club president.