Tuku blames oil distributors for long queues at petrol pumps
“The energy shortage that emerged was largely due to lapses by fuel marketing companies. In many cases, the instructions issued by the energy secretary were not properly implemented,” he said.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku has blamed fuel distribution companies for the recent long queues at petrol pumps across Bangladesh, citing failures to properly implement government directives.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the Geological Survey of Bangladesh at Biam auditorium in Dhaka today (2 May), the minister said negligence by fuel marketing companies was the main cause of the disruption.
"The energy shortage that emerged was largely due to lapses by fuel marketing companies. In many cases, the instructions issued by the energy secretary were not properly implemented," he said.
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Tuku also suggested that the long queues at fuel stations were partly driven by "artificial" factors.
"There may have been artificial causes behind the long lines at pumps. Political motives could also be involved. At the same time, our own people did not perform properly. Otherwise, such queues would not have persisted," he added.
Reflecting on his tenure, the minister said he has spent most of his 75 days in office focused on the power and energy sector, while noting that this is his first opportunity to work extensively in the energy and mineral resources division.
The recent disruption came against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran conflict, which triggered uncertainty in global energy supply chains.
The impact quickly spilled over into Bangladesh's import-dependent fuel market.
Fearing fuel shortages, motorists rushed to fuel stations across the country, leading to long queues and hours-long waiting for consumers.
In several areas, the situation escalated into disorder, causing widespread public suffering.
As supply conditions gradually improved, the queues at petrol pumps began to ease, bringing some relief to consumers.
