PM directs ministry to remain in touch with global sources, ensure smooth energy supply
There is no reason for a diesel shortage, and fuel pumps will remain adequately supplied if people refrain from buying extra diesel, ministry official says
The Energy and Mineral Resources Division has informed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman about the latest fuel security situation in Bangladesh amid global uncertainty triggered by the war involving Iran in the Middle East.
"The prime minister has been briefed about the overall situation. He has provided necessary directives to remain in touch with global sources and ensure no crisis hits the country," Monir Hossain Chowdhury, joint secretary (operations) and head of the operation wing of the ministry's Energy and Mineral Resources Division, told The Business Standard.
He added that Bangladesh has been able to ensure its energy security in a short time despite global volatility in the fuel market.
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Despite being a public holiday, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources submitted a report on the situation to the prime minister this morning (7 March), officials said.
According to sources, Bangladesh's monthly diesel demand is around 380,000 tonnes, while the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) currently has more than 100,000 tonnes of diesel in stock.
Monir said supplies for the remaining 280,000 tonnes are already in the pipeline, with some shipments arriving, some currently at sea, and others in the process of being dispatched.
"So there is no reason for a diesel shortage in March," he added.
He also said imports of another 100,000 tonnes of diesel from four additional sources have almost been finalised and are currently at the document-processing stage with suppliers.
"This means there is no reason for a diesel shortage, and fuel pumps will remain adequately supplied if people refrain from buying extra diesel," he added.
Officials of the energy division also said Bangladesh does not import petrol and octane, as domestic production fully meets the country's demand for the two fuels. Therefore, there is no risk of shortages of petrol or octane.
They also said Bangladesh has already secured imports of two cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Singapore, which means there is no immediate risk of a gas shortage.
In addition, officials said power plants currently have enough furnace oil in stock to meet demand for the next 50 days.
