No fuel shortage in Bangladesh: Energy Ministry

Bangladesh currently has no shortage of fuel, with sufficient stocks of diesel, octane, petrol, jet fuel and furnace oil to meet domestic demand, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division said on Wednesday, dismissing recent media reports suggesting otherwise.

At an emergency briefing held at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on Wednesday afternoon, Joint Secretary (Operations) of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division Monir Hossain Chowdhury said the country has fuel reserves equivalent to 31 days of diesel, 36 days of octane, 20 days of petrol, 20 days of jet fuel and 25 days of furnace oil.

He said there is no shortage of any petroleum product and described reports claiming otherwise as misleading.

"We have adequate reserves of all fuel products. Attempts have been made to create unnecessary panic through rumours of a fuel crisis," he said.

The official also announced that 180,000 metric tonnes of diesel are expected to arrive by July 31, followed by another 240,000 metric tonnes in August, ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply.

Regarding natural gas, Monir said the country's daily demand stands at around 3,800 million cubic feet (MMcf), while supply currently ranges between 2,700 and 2,800 MMcf, leaving a long-standing supply gap.

He acknowledged that gas exploration had remained limited for many years but said the current government is working to accelerate exploration activities to increase domestic production.

Addressing recent congestion at CNG filling stations, the joint secretary said a mechanical fault at one of the country's Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) temporarily disrupted liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply, leading to longer queues at some stations.

"The repair work is underway and we expect the problem to be resolved within the next two days. The inconvenience at CNG stations is temporary and the situation will soon return to normal," he said.

On fuel imports, Monir said Bangladesh imports crude oil primarily from the Middle East. Following disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, imports have been rerouted via the Red Sea.

He added that the government is also considering alternative shipping routes should the Red Sea route face any future disruptions.

-HIS