United News of Bangladesh

Diesel shortage in Bangladesh’s northern districts is disrupting irrigation at a critical stage of the Boro season, raising fears of a drop in rice production and deepening anxiety among farmers. Growers in 16 districts including Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Nilphamari, Rajshahi, Natore, Naogaon and Chapainawabganj, said they are unable to irrigate their fields due to a lack of fuel. As vast tracts of cropland are drying up during peak Boro cultivation many fear irreversible damage to the country’s main food crop. The ongoing fuel crunch has left diesel-run irrigation pumps, tube wells and agricultural machinery idle across large swathes of farmland. Farmers allege that most filling stations in Rangpur and Rajshahi regions are either out of stock or unable to meet demand, forcing them to turn to the open market where diesel is being sold at Tk 50–80 above the government-set price. The price surge has added to already rising cultivation costs, pushing many farmers deeper into debt. A visit to Madhupur Char area in Kaunia upazila of Rangpur found the situation particularly severe. Farmers there said diesel prices have jumped from Tk 102 to Tk 120 per litre within the past five days, significantly increasing irrigation expenses. “Costs were already high. Now with rising fuel prices it has become even harder to manage irrigation,” said farmer Saidul Islam. In Shialkhowa village of Kaliganj upazila in Lalmonirhat, farmer Hasim Mia said he failed to find diesel after visiting several filling stations. “I finally had to buy from a local retailer at Tk 220 per litre,” he said. Another farmer from Kakina village, Moslem Uddin, said, “I searched the entire msrket on Friday but couldn’t find even a litre of diesel. My Boro field is drying up,” he said, adding that he was willing to pay up to Tk 250 per litre but still could not secure any fuel. Operators of irrigation pumps said the shortage has made it nearly impossible to continue operations. Many have been forced to increase irrigation charges, further burdening farmers. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), a target has been set to cultivate Boro rice on around 6,52,000 hectares of land this season in five districts—Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha and Nilphamari-- under Rangpur division and four districts—Rajshahi, Naogaon, Natore and Chapainawabganj-- under Rajshahi division. Iran-backed Houthis join war, global markets on edge However, with irrigation in these regions heavily dependent on diesel, the current crisis is disrupting water supply across a vast area. Roughly 21 percent of irrigated land in these regions relies on diesel-powered pumps. Of the 21,535 deep tube wells, 615 run on diesel. Among 210,449 shallow tube wells, 98,268 are diesel-operated. Similarly, of the 17,647 low-lift pumps, 11,458 depend on diesel. Agricultural economists have urged the government to prioritise fuel allocation for the farming sector to avert a potential food production crisis. They said the global fuel market has been under pressure due to ongoing Iran-US conflicts, prompting the government to introduce rationing measures. While such steps may be justified, experts stress the need to clearly prioritise critical sectors like agriculture in fuel distribution. Agronomist Abdus Salam said Boro rice is Bangladesh’s principal food grain and is highly dependent on irrigation. “Around 62 to 65 percent of Boro fields rely on diesel-powered irrigation. Ensuring fuel supply to agriculture at this stage is crucial,” he said. He also suggested that similar to electricity, diesel supply for irrigation should be brought under a structured management system to ensure uninterrupted farming during peak seasons. However, additional director Dr Azizur Rahman and additional director Sirajul Islam of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Rajshahi and Rangpur, respectively, claimed they have not received complaints regarding diesel shortages or overpricing and said irrigation activities remain normal. However, farmer said if the fuel shortage continues, irrigation across vast crop fields will be severely affected. Advocate Palash Kanti Nakh, president of Farmer and Workers Association, in Rangpur division, said the government must stand by farmers despite the global nature of the fuel crisis. “Boro cultivation requires adequate water at this stage. Without irrigation, yields could drop by half, pushing farmers into deeper financial distress,” he said. Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam said efforts are underway to ensure farmers can access diesel more easily. In a move to mitigate the urgent demand of the country, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday approved emergency diesel import proposals amid the unstable Middle East situation. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for the current fiscal year held virtually with Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair. The meeting approved in principle two proposals of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply in the country in the context of the ongoing geopolitical instability following tensions involving in the Middle East.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Wednesday said there is no fuel shortage in the country and urged people not to engage in panic buying or hoarding amid global uncertainties. “Global developments, particularly disruptions linked to fuel supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, have impacted many regions, including South Asia,” he said. Despite the global situation, the minister said the government has not taken any decision to increase fuel prices and that domestic prices remain lower compared to neighbouring countries. Swapan came up with the remarks at a press briefing at the Secretariat, highlighting the current power and energy situation. “A cabinet committee led by the finance minister has been formed to deal the situaiton and it is managing the situation efficiently. At this moment, there is no fuel crisis and we hope to avoid any crisis,” he said. However, he noted that panic buying—fueled by reports circulating in media and especially on social platforms—has created pressure on supply chains. “We believe the media has a role in raising awareness so that people do not engage in unnecessary panic buying. we can avoid this situation with the support of all,” he added. Prime Minister’s Adviser (Policy and Strategy) Zahed Ur Rahman also warned against hoarding, saying it would not be beneficial as fuel prices are not increasing. “The prime minister has clearly stated that fuel prices will not go up. So those who are involved in hoarding fuel will not be benefited, he said, adding that the government is monitoring any such activities at the pump level. On misinformation, the adviser expressed concern over fake content mimicking established media outlets using similar logos to spread satirical or misleading news. He termed the trend alarming and said steps would be taken to bring such practices under a regulatory framework. He also said the government has undertaken a project to enhance public engagement through social and new media platforms and to ensure responsible dissemination of information under proper policies and laws. Responding to a question, State Minister Yaser Khan Choudhury said the wage board for journalists is determined by the labour ministry, while the information ministry can only provide recommendations if sought. He also said initiatives have been taken to modernise Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, including administrative changes and capacity development. Meanwhile, the information minister said the government is committed to curbing ‘mob culture’ and establishing the rule of law.    

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday chaired a special meeting to determine necessary steps to tackle the fuel situation amid rising global oil prices triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The meeting was held at the Secretariat in the morning with the Prime Minister in the chair, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister arrived at the Secretariat at 9:02 am and attended to official duties before joining the meeting. He also unveiled a commemorative postage stamp marking Independence and National Day. The Prime Minister is scheduled to chair a Cabinet meeting at 4:00 pm at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat. Rumon said the Cabinet usually meets on Thursdays, but this week’s meeting was brought forward as Independence and National Day falls on Thursday.

Ameer-e-Jamaat Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure adequate fuel supply by urgently contacting international partners and friendly countries. In a Facebook post from his verified account, he said the suffering of people in different parts of the country, including the capital, in buying fuel is “very painful”. He mentioned that people have been waiting in queues stretching for kilometres and standing for hours to buy fuel, while many are fasting during Ramadan and some vehicles have already run out of fuel. Dr Shafiqur said the crisis is not only disrupting the travel of ordinary people but also affecting electricity generation and industrial activities. With the Eid journey approaching, he warned that the situation could make travel even more difficult for people if it is not resolved quickly. He said Jamaat had earlier urged the government to take initiatives to import fuel from alternative sources, but the situation is worsening day by day. “We once again request the government to take immediate initiatives and ensure fuel supply on an urgent basis by contacting international partners and friendly countries,” he said. He also urged people to remain patient during the crisis and avoid unnecessary use of fuel. “May Allah grant us the strength to overcome this crisis,” he added.  

In light of the current fuel crisis, Sylhet's fuel traders will go on an indefinite strike from Wednesday. Sylhet Divisional Committee of Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents, and Petroleum Owners Association has announced the indefinite strike after an emergency meeting on Saturday. According to their decision, traders will cease purchasing from the depot beginning next Wednesday (January 18) and cease selling to consumers from the following Sunday (January 22)  for an indefinite period. “The supply of fuel has long fallen short of the demand. The Sylhet oil traders have no choice but to protest,” said the speakers in the meeting. According to Sylhet fuel traders, the district's oil pumps have been running low on fuel for a long time due to the irregular movement of railway wagons from Chattagram to Sylhet. Previously, condensate (a mixture of light liquid hydrocarbons) obtained from Sylhet's gas fields was converted to petrol in multiple Sylhet plants. Since these government-owned plants were shut down, the condensate is now converted to petrol in Chittagong by a private plant. The district's fuel traders claimed that depot officials' inaction caused the crisis. "Authorities have repeatedly failed to supply fuel oil. They're just making excuses, and traders are suffering severe losses as a result. That is why we called a strike," said Jubaer Ahmed Chowdhury,  Central Secretary General and President of Sylhet Divisional Committee. Jubaer along with Humayun Ahmed,  General Secretary, made the announcement.

Biman Dutta, a resident of Faridpur town, was at a loss when he needed to shift his father-in-law from Faridpur General Hospital to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College and Hospital (BSMMCH) in the district due to critical condition. As there was no ambulance service at the hospital for over 45 days due to “fuel crisis”, he had to hire a private ambulance that cost him twice as much. Many patients from Faridpur town and adjacent upazilas are facing the same problem due to ambulance shortage as critical patients need to be transferred to BSMMCH and Dhaka for advanced treatment. Read more: Inmates at overcrowded Faridpur jail suffer in absence of medical facilities The hospital authorities are saying this problem has been caused by lack of fuel being allocated. They said they have sent numerous letters to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the Ministry of Health seeking funds but are yet to get any response. “Lack of fuel allocation is to blame for patients’ suffering. We owe the local petrol station around TK 3.5 lakh for fuel. We had to halt our ambulance service from November 1, 2022,” said Ganesh Kumar Agarwala, resident medical officer of the hospital.

The government is working to revise the “Renewable Energy Policy of Bangladesh 2008” to make it more effective in the changed energy and power sector scenario. Official sources said, Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Sreda), the focal organization under Power Division of the government, has already appointed a consultant. The consultant – Development Technical Consultants Pvt. Ltd (DTCL) – has started reviewing the existing renewable energy policy, REPB-2008, and organize focus group discussion for stakeholders. Read:Govt deliberately pursuing import-dependent energy policy: Speakers According to renewable energy industry insiders, the first meeting of the stakeholders will be held on September 20 in Sreda office. The consultant firm convened the meeting on behalf of Sreda where it will make a presentation on the existing policy and seek opinions of the stakeholders to update it in a national and global changed scenario, said an industry insider. He said the initiative have come from the government as a follow-up of its statements to 26th meeting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), held in Scotland, United Kingdom, from October 31 to November 13 2021.   Read: Experts for reining in energy corruption, exploration of alternative sources In the COP26 meeting, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in written statement said: “We are also working for a more sustainable energy mix. We hope to have 40% of our energy from renewable sources by 2041”. She also said, “Recently we submitted an ambitious and updated NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) to the UNFCCC. We have cancelled 10 coal-based power plants worth 12 billion dollars of foreign investment. Currently, as per Sreda statistics, the country generates about 911 MW (solar 677 MW, hydro 230 MW and others 2 MW) while the total power generation is more than 25,000 MW which shows the renewable energy’s share is less than 4 percent. Read: Patience can help overcome crisis in energy sector: Nasrul The recent crisis in primary fuels is another reason behind the move, said a Sreda official. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, recently at a function, said that among other options of renewable energy, solar power has huge potential for Bangladesh. But since it requires substantial land allocation, it needs an innovative solution. He also said Bangladesh is now promoting the options of rooftop and floating solar panels and net metering system has been introduced to popularise the use of solar power. Read Huawei Technologies intends to support RMG industry in renewable energy “There is a good opportunity to work on wind power as well,” he said, adding that wind mapping has been completed for 9 potential sites and feasibility will be conducted on the potential for offshore wind power. Private investors in renewable energy sector welcomed the Sreda initiative to review the renewable energy policy and bring necessary amendments to promote non-conventional energy sources. Dipal Barua, president of Bangladesh Solar and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA), termed the initiative “time befitting.” Read TEI GET to promote renewable energy in Bangladesh He said despite a huge potential, the country could not utilize it due to lack of proper action plan. Munawar Moin, Vice President of BSREA and President of Solar Module Manufacturers Association of Bangladesh (SMAB), said the government should introduce a policy under which the local solar industry could utilise their full potentials. Cost of solar energy decreased substantially and has created a huge scope for investment in mega projects, he said. Read Green Economy in Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges

Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said power and fuel shortage has hit even the developed countries, not only Bangladesh.   The minister made the remark replying to a journalist’s question on BNP blaming load shedding and price hike in the country on the government’s corruption. He said a country like Germany where power cut didn’t occur even for once after the Second World War has asked the people to ration electricity and use cold water instead. He further said the US government has sent sms to public for maintaining austerity in power usage. France and Australia are conducting daily load shedding for two hours while the Spanish prime minister has urged people not wear tie amid heat, claimed Hasan. Read: Media should not publish unverified news: Hasan Mahmud “The whole world is maintaining austerity in power usage as price of fuel used for electricity production has increased,” he said. “Price of LNG has increased tenfold,” he added. He said Bangladesh is rationing electricity like the developed countries are doing but “We are hopeful by December the crisis will be over. BNP understands all these yet they make such accusations,” said Hasan.  About BNP’s remark on knocking off AL government through movement, the minister said, BNP failed to do so in the past.   “Trying again BNP will fall on the face and might crack their head,” he warned.

The maiden shipment of 25 lakh litres of crude oil imported from India reached the country on Saturday, aiming to tackle the ongoing fuel crisis. Representatives of Bangladesh and India formally released the crude oil at Aqua Refinery jetty in Gorashal of Narsingdi in the morning. Private company Aqua Refinery Limited imported Naphtha (crude oil) from Indian Oil Corporation Limited through Indo-Bangladesh Inland Waterways Protocol Route.  Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) director Rafiqul Islam, Indian Oil Corporation Limited Bangladesh country manager Mazhar Alam, Aqua Refinery Limited director operation Ershad Hossain, Shanghai ship owner Masudur Rahman, Aqua Refinery deputy managing director Sajedul Siraj, general manager GM Jahangir Alam, among others, were present at that time.   Read: Fuel crisis hits filling stations in Thakurgaon After the refining process by Aqua Refinery, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) will buy the crude oil and provide it to the consumer level within one week. Amid the unprecedented situation due to fuel crisis, the government recently announced suspension of production in diesel-run power plants. It resorted to one –hour area based load shedding across the country to save energy. The government has also taken some austerity measures including reducing consumption of power at government offices to save power and energy.

There is no chance of a fuel crisis in Bangladesh as the country has enough petroleum in reserve, the Energy and Mineral Resource Division said Monday. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation has been ensuring an uninterrupted supply of petroleum oil across the country through its subsidiary oil marketing companies, the EMRD said in a statement. The statement came against the backdrop of the recent media reports about a fuel crisis in the country's northern districts. Petroleum is supplied from Daulatpur in Khulna to Parbatipur and from Chattogram to Rangpur by rail wagon. Despite having adequate stock in the country, the supply of octane and petrol to the depots in some of the northern districts was delayed due to a shortage of railway engines as the railway gave priority to passenger transport during Eid-ul-Fitr, the energy division said. "The supply of octane and petrol is now stable across the country. Stocks and supply of other fuel oil also remain normal," the energy division said, adding that legal action will be taken against anyone who will sell octane and petrol at an inflated price falsely citing the energy crisis. The division urged people not to buy octane and petrol at excess price. To meet the demand for fuel oil in the country, the import schedule of octane has been finalised as per the monthly requirement for May and June. Fuel tankers are plying the Chattogram Port every week. Production of octane and petrol has continued at the state-owned Eastern Refinery and private plants. The average monthly demand for octane and petrol in the country is around 36,000 metric tonnes and 39,000 metric tonnes respectively. This demand can be met with existing stock, import, and domestic production, said the energy division. Also read: BPC incurs Tk 63 crore loss a day in petroleum sale, but experts suggest cut on import duty