Bangladesh seeks US support to meet energy demand: Minister

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood today (4 March) sought assistance from the United States to help meet the country's energy demand in the current global context.

"The government has been taking preparations to import energy from alternative sources amid growing uncertainty over global energy supplies due to the conflict in the Middle East," he said.

The minister made the remarks after a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

He said Bangladesh was concerned about uninterrupted fuel supplies due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, adding, "Not only Bangladesh but the whole world is worried about energy supplies. The government is trying to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted supply of energy."

The minister said the government had sought fuel assistance from the United States at this time, while the US Assistant Secretary assured him that he would convey the matter to the higher authorities.

"However, if fuel consumption is reduced, it will be possible to meet the demand from existing stock until the Eid holidays or March. But diesel sales have suddenly increased in the country," he said.

The Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) has been instructed to strengthen vigilance along the border to prevent fuel smuggling, the minister added.

Iqbal Hassan urged people to use fuel economically, saying, "Unnecessary use of lights in shopping malls and at various events should be stopped."

He also called on people to use public transport instead of private cars.

The minister said efforts would be made to keep load-shedding at a tolerable level even under the current circumstances.