DHAKA, Apr 02 (V7N) — The government has once again moved to reassure the public that Bangladesh is not facing a fuel shortage, attributing recent supply disruptions at petrol pumps to "panic buying" and "illegal hoarding." During a press briefing at the Secretariat on Thursday, Munir Hossain Chowdhury, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson for the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, emphasized that the country maintains an adequate stock of petrol, octane, and diesel.

To stabilize the market, the government has intensified its crackdown on syndicates and unauthorized sellers. Between March 3 and April 1, specialized operations across the country successfully recovered 372,388 litres of illegally hoarded fuel.

Supply vs. Demand Dynamics

According to official data provided by the Energy Department, the current daily national demand is being met without a shortfall:

  • Petrol Demand: 1,200 Metric Tons (MT) per day.

  • Diesel Demand: 1,400 Metric Tons (MT) per day.

The spokesperson confirmed that the Eastern Refinery, the nation’s sole state-owned oil refinery, is expecting new shipments of crude oil shortly, which will further bolster national reserves and ensure a steady supply for the coming months.

Prioritizing Agriculture and Rural Supply

With the ongoing irrigation season, the government has issued direct instructions to all District Administrators (DCs) to prioritize diesel distribution for farmers. This directive aims to ensure that agricultural production remains unaffected by the localized artificial shortages reported in some rural hubs.

International Trade and the "Russian Oil" Query

Addressing the broader geopolitical energy landscape, Munir Hossain Chowdhury noted that the government is currently awaiting a response from the United States regarding a formal letter concerning the potential import of oil from Russia. This move is part of Bangladesh’s strategy to diversify its energy sources amidst the global volatility caused by the Middle East conflict.

Public Advisory

The Energy Ministry urged citizens not to engage in "panic buying," which creates unnecessary pressure on the distribution chain. Authorities have also warned filling station owners that any attempt to withhold stock or demand prices above the government-fixed rate will result in the immediate cancellation of their licenses and criminal prosecution.

The government’s statement comes as several petrol pumps in Dhaka and Rajshahi reported "dry" tanks earlier this morning, though officials claim these are temporary logistical delays rather than a lack of total supply.

END/SMA/AJ