No fuel crisis as govt boosts imports, maintains supply stability
Officials stressed that recent supply pressures are largely the result of hoarding by a section of traders, creating artificial scarcity rather than reflecting real deficits.
The government has reiterated that Bangladesh faces no actual fuel shortage, even as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupts global energy markets, maintaining that supply remains stable and manageable with plans underway to build longer-term reserves, including a 90-day fuel stock.
Officials stressed that recent supply pressures are largely the result of hoarding by a section of traders, creating artificial scarcity rather than reflecting real deficits.
Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said that supply constraints at times were due to logistical delays rather than a lack of fuel. "There is enough fuel… people will get it, but they should not buy more than necessary," he said, urging consumers to avoid panic purchases.
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State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Anindha Islam Amit said that long queues at filling stations were caused by a sudden spike in demand.
He urged consumers to avoid stockpiling, reassuring them that both fuel and electricity remain stable.
The state minister said around Tk167 crore is being spent daily to stabilise fuel prices and ease public suffering, as any price hike would immediately increase electricity tariffs, transport fares and food prices.
Recent fuel arrivals
Early today (31 March), a Panama-flagged vessel, PVT Solana, carrying 30,000 tonnes of diesel from Malaysia, berthed at Chattogram Port, marking the eighth fuel shipment to arrive this month.
The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) confirmed that the diesel may be unloaded either via lightering or directly at the dolphin jetty, with final arrangements pending.
Another vessel carrying a similar quantity is expected on 3 April, while a ship transporting around 70,000 tonnes of LNG is due on 4 April. Over the past month, 33 vessels have docked, including 15 carrying fuel oil, eight with LNG, and nine transporting LPG.
Officials said that Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation plans to boost diesel imports from India's Numaligarh Refinery, while Petrobangla has secured nine LNG cargoes for April.
Govt plans strategy to battle crisis
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obead Islam outlined the government's multi-pronged strategy to secure an uninterrupted fuel supply and strengthen reserves.
Bangladesh is actively engaging with multiple countries – including Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, the United States, and Russia – to ensure continued imports.
Several consignments are expected in April under existing agreements and memorandums of understanding.
On fuel imports from Russia, the state minister said the issue of sanctions requires procedural considerations, including engagement with the United States, adding that the relevant ministries are in discussions to resolve such matters.
"There is no fuel crisis at the moment. We have sufficient reserves, and efforts are underway to strengthen our stock further," she said, emphasising that traders creating artificial pressure must be addressed strictly.
