Energy Division, fuel distributors urge Cenbank to keep depot-area banks open during Eid holidays
However, the closure of banks prevents distributors from obtaining necessary pay orders for fuel purchases as cash transactions are not feasible, the association said
The Energy and Mineral Resources Division has urged the Bangladesh Bank to keep bank branches in fuel depot areas open during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply.
In a letter sent to the central bank governor yesterday, the Energy Division requested that bank branches in depot areas remain open on 30 March and 3 April to facilitate fuel purchases by dealers and ensure an uninterrupted supply to consumers.
Additionally, the Bangladesh Fuel Oil Distributors Association also sent a letter to the Bangladesh Bank, urging it to keep selected bank branches in key fuel depot locations, including Khulna, Narayanganj, Chattogram, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Chandpur, Rajshahi, and Sirajganj, operational on 29 March, 3 April, and 5 April.
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In the letter, the association's President Syed Sajjadul Karim Kabul stated that the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) is keeping fuel depots open to support Eid travel and ensure continuous operation of fuel-based power plants.
However, the closure of banks prevents distributors from obtaining necessary pay orders for fuel purchases as cash transactions are not feasible, the association said.
A fuel pump owner, speaking on condition of anonymity, said pump owners do not have authorised fuel storage facilities and must collect fuel from depots even during holidays.
"If banks remain closed, they will be unable to process payments, leading to a potential fuel supply disruption," he added.
