United News of Bangladesh

The government has formed vigilance teams in all districts to oversee the supply of fuel, according to a press release issued Friday by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. The initiative aims to prevent illegal hoarding of fuel. The ministry has also announced rewards for informants who provide verified information on such practices. Citizens are urged to submit precise complaints or suggestions to assist the authorities in ensuring fair distribution and preventing malpractice. As in March 27, a total of 293 operations and mobile court actions have been conducted across 62 districts to monitor fuel supply. These actions have resulted in 78 cases filed and a total fine of Tk 315,550. Magistrates from the ministry continue to conduct mobile courts at various locations in Dhaka daily, and operations will continue in Dhaka and surrounding areas tomorrow. The public is encouraged to contact the vigilance teams if they notice any irregularities or suspicious activities.  

Bangladesh currently has about a month’s supply of fuel, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani said on Wednesday, noting that the country normally maintains a 15-day reserve. Ghani made the remarks during a briefing at the Press Information Department following a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat. He said the government is taking steps to further increase fuel reserves to ensure stability amid the ongoing international energy crisis. Asked about the Prime Minister’s response to the ongoing international energy crisis, the Cabinet Secretary said, “The Prime Minister reviewed all available government resources, assessed progress, and examined the steps taken by the ministries. I can briefly say that the reserves are sufficient.” Commenting on panic buying, Ghani said, “Excess fuel purchased unnecessarily could go to waste. The situation should normalize in a few days once public confidence returns. Under the government’s plan, the reserves are being increased further.” PM calls for unity, tolerance to accelerate Bangladesh’s  development Regarding the rise in jet fuel prices, Ghani explained, “The international price of jet fuel has increased. Airlines operating here also follow the international rate, so the price movement is aligned with global trends.” He confirmed that the one-month reserve includes all types of fuel and added that the Cabinet Committee on Purchase has approved the acquisition of two cargoes of LNG. Ghani also said that fuel not immediately available under contracts is purchased from the spot market, and decisions have to be made quickly, often within 10 hours of the cargo’s arrival. Responding to rumors about a fuel price hike, he said, “I am not aware of any such plan, and there are no signs of it at this stage.” The Cabinet Secretary reiterated that fuel is being procured from multiple sources to maintain and expand the country’s reserves.

Fuel reserves in Bangladesh have increased with the arrival of two fuel-laden ships, but the government will continue rationing supplies due to uncertainty surrounding the ongoing war, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said on Sunday. “Once these two ships deliver fuel, our reserves will increase further,” he said while speaking at a discussion programme at the Jatiya Press Club. The Uttaranchal Chhatra Forum arranged the event marking the 20th imprisonment day of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, recalling his arrest during the military-backed caretaker government in 2007. Preserve reserves, source alternative fuel: Top economists advise governor on Middle East crisis The minister said rising reserves do not mean fuel can be used in an uncontrolled manner. “We will continue rationing for as long as the war continues.” Explaining the need for rationing, Tuku said the duration of the war remains uncertain and the government wants to use the existing reserves carefully. “We do not know when the war will end. That is why we have asked people to use fuel sparingly and introduced rationing so that the reserves last longer. If we consume everything at once, the reserves will quickly run out. But if we manage consumption properly, we will be able to continue for a longer time,” he added. Power prices won’t go up Tuku also said rumours are being spread that the government may increase electricity and fuel prices due to the war. “I want to assure people that we are not increasing power prices for now,” he said. The minister urged people not to panic and stockpile fuel out of fear of a price hike. “There is no shortage of fuel, but rationing must continue. We do not know when the war will end, and people should understand that,” he added. No fuel shortage in country, two more shipments to arrive March 9: Energy Minister The minister also urged BNP leaders and activists, as well as the public, to remain vigilant so that fuel is not smuggled or sold on the black market. Referring to the condition of the power sector under the previous government, Tuku said the current administration inherited a fragile and debt-ridden system with outstanding dues of around Tk 76,000 crore. “Despite the challenges, we have managed to keep the system stable so far, and we hope it will remain stable in the future,” he said. The minister also said special instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman helped ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during Iftar,Tarawih and sehri in Ramadan over the past 20 days.