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No magic wand for gas crisis, says Finance Minister
Published : Sunday, 16 August, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said there is no magic solution to resolve the ongoing gas crisis immediately.
"We do not have any magic in our hands to restore gas supply suddenly," he said, adding that the government has initiated the gas exploration process and called tenders, which will take at least one and a half to two years.
He made the remarks while addressing as chief guest an event organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at Hotel InterContinental in the capital on Sunday (August 16).
Responding to a question regarding when gas supply will normalize as industrial units face shutdowns and owners struggle to service bank loans, the minister said the solution will not happen overnight. He added that it would be meaningless to promise a quick resolution since it cannot be done instantly.
"Unfortunately, we have to bear with this situation. I know this is causing huge losses for businessmen and their enterprises. It is also harming the national economy severely," the minister noted.
He further informed that the government is moving towards open-pit coal mining in Fulbari and other locations as no alternative remains available.
"A comprehensive policy on our power mix and energy strategy will be announced within the next two to three weeks so that people get a clear picture," he said.
Amir Khosru added that partial statements serve no purpose, which is why the government is introducing a full-fledged policy to help people understand the required timeframe and plan their future accordingly.
-SA
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
