Energy, Power and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud on Saturday assured that Bangladesh has adequate fuel oil reserves and there is no reason for public concern over supply.
Speaking to reporters in front of the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka, the minister said two additional oil tankers are scheduled to arrive in the country on March 9, which will further strengthen the supply situation.
He said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created global uncertainty in the energy sector, but Bangladesh currently has sufficient fuel stocks. “We have briefed the prime minister about the situation. As we have said before, there is no reason to worry about fuel shortages,” he added.
The minister explained that the government has introduced limited rationing of fuel as a precautionary measure, since it is uncertain how long the conflict will continue. However, he noted that some people have become anxious and are trying to store extra fuel, which could complicate the situation.
“There is actually no shortage of fuel. Two more vessels will arrive on March 9. So there will be no problem with supply,” he said, urging the media to inform the public that there is no need to rush to buy fuel. “We have sufficient stock and are supplying fuel regularly to petrol pumps. People will get fuel whenever they go to purchase it, and there is no need to stand in line all night.”
Responding to reports that some petrol pumps had run out of fuel, the minister said each pump is receiving a fixed quantity. If a pump sells out quickly, it must wait until the next day for additional supply. “We are monitoring the situation closely,” he said.
Asked whether any pumps were deliberately withholding fuel to make extra profit, he said the matter would be investigated. The government will deploy mobile courts starting Sunday to take action against any irregularities, he added.
Regarding the current rationing limit of two litres of fuel for motorcycles, the minister said there are no immediate plans to increase the allocation.
He reiterated that although Bangladesh currently has adequate reserves, the duration of the conflict remains uncertain. “That is why we must keep our house in order and conserve resources,” he said.
The minister also said Bangladesh primarily imports liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar but is working on alternative arrangements to avoid any future supply disruptions.
He added that the country currently has sufficient reserves of LNG, LPG and other fuels, while the government is exploring additional sources to ensure energy security in the future.
Urging the public to remain calm, the minister said there is no reason for panic but stressed the need for cautious and responsible use of energy given the global situation.