Fuel supply returns to normal: Energy minister

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood today said fuel supply in the country has been gradually returning to normal.

"The supply situation has now returned to normal. Fuel is arriving in the country properly," he told journalists at the Bangladesh Secretariat this afternoon (27 September).

The minister said temporary difficulties in procuring fuel from Middle Eastern countries had arisen due to the Iran-Israel war, adding that fuel had been purchased and arrangements were being made to bring it into the country.

Meanwhile, a fire incident was also occurred at an FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) that forced to delay of fuel supply, he said.

Replying to a question, the minister said the Middle East, a major hub for oil and gas supplies, was affected by the conflict, and it took some time to find alternative sources.

"Overcoming these disasters and complications, the fuel supply has now returned to normal. Fuel is being brought into the country properly," Iqbal said, adding that similar temporary situations had also emerged in different parts of the world.

He said people voted for the government with confidence, but it took some time to restore the situation due to fuel shortages and accidents.

The minister said fuel could now be brought into the country and supply schedules had also been fixed. 

 "The government did not deliberately create this situation," he said, adding that alternative sources had been explored to reduce public suffering while gas was procured at higher prices.

The minister, however, said that the situation was resolved quickly because the prime minister personally took the initiative, while the concerned officials worked together to address the crisis.

The minister said the government remained committed to ensuring that people do not face any further hardship.