Amid global energy market volatility following the Iran-Israel tensions, two ministers on Friday assured that Bangladesh's fuel supply remains stable, while government subsidies continue to cushion consumers from rising costs.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku said that fuel oil supply at pumps across the country remains normal, with no disruption in distribution.
"The same volume of fuel that was supplied before the recent Iran conflict is still being maintained," he told journalists after visiting the 68 MW solar power plant in Sayedabad.
However, the minister noted a sharp spike in demand. "Previously, fuel supplied to pumps would last one to one-and-a-half days. Now, due to increased demand, the same stock is being sold out within two hours," he said.
He assured that the country has sufficient fuel reserves and a functioning supply chain, ruling out any immediate risk of a shortage. Tuku also warned against attempts by unscrupulous traders to create artificial scarcity through hoarding and black marketing.
"The government is maintaining strict vigilance. Drives have been intensified in different areas, and legal action is being taken against those involved," he added.
Urging the public not to be swayed by rumours, the minister said Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been instructed to closely monitor the situation.
Local administration officials, including Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner Md. Aminul Islam, along with engineers and representatives of the power plant and the North West Power Generation Company, were present during the visit.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit highlighted the government's continued financial support to stabilise the energy sector.
"The government is providing a subsidy of Tk 167 crore per day on fuel oil to ease public suffering," he said while speaking at a cheque distribution ceremony among distressed people in Jashore.
Despite global price pressures, he said, the government has refrained from increasing domestic fuel prices. "When fuel prices rise, it affects electricity, transport and essential commodities. Even under mounting pressure, there is no plan to raise fuel prices," he stated.
Addressing public concerns, Amit noted that although around 80 countries have raised fuel prices, Bangladesh has maintained stability. However, he acknowledged an unusual surge in demand.
"The average daily demand for diesel used to be around 12,000 tonnes, while petrol and octane demand stood at 1,200 to 1,400 tonnes. Before Eid, we supplied 24,000 to 25,000 tonnes of diesel daily," he said.
The event in Jashore was attended by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ashek Hasan, District Council Administrator Delwar Hossain Khokon, Superintendent of Police Syed Rafiqul Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sujan Sarkar, Jashore Press Club President Zahid Hasan Tukun, and Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services Harun Or Rashid.
