Fuel prices will not be raised now as stock sufficient: Energy minister

Energy, Power and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan
Mahmud Tuku has said that Bangladesh currently has adequate reserves of fuel,
so there is no immediate plan to increase fuel prices.
Responding to a question regarding
raising the price of fuel during the national parliamentary session today (7
April), the minister explained, "There is a law to review fuel prices
every month. We did not raise the price of fuel for April. We are working on
the pricing for the next month."
"If, after proper
deliberation, the need arises to increase prices, we would discuss in a
cabinet meeting and take further action," added the minister.
He added that the government is sourcing fuel from all
possible channels to ensure an uninterrupted supply.
Mentioning that the country
currently has sufficient fuel reserves, the minister said that there are now
164,644 tonnes of diesel in stock, and another 138,000 tons will arrive by 30
April. Apart from this, there are 10,500 tonnes of octane in stock, and another
71,433 tonnes are expected to arrive by April. Petrol reserves stand at 16,000
tonnes, with an additional 36,000 tonnes awaiting arrival.
The minister also informed the Parliament that tag officers
have been appointed at every filling station for monitoring, and the situation
is being monitored daily via Zoom meetings with deputy commissioners. He also
warned that mobile court drives against illegal fuel hoarding will continue.
'Bangladesh only South Asian country to keep fuel prices stable'
Minister for Power, Energy and
Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has said that almost all countries in
South Asia are struggling to cope with the current situation. Pakistan has
already increased fuel prices by 50%, Sri Lanka has introduced rationing, and
India, Afghanistan, Nepal, and other countries have also raised prices.
In comparison with South Asian
countries, Bangladesh is the only country that has so far kept fuel prices
stable.
The minister said, "Due to
political instability in the Middle East and the restrictions imposed by Iran
on ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz following joint US-Israeli
attacks, global fuel supply is being disrupted. As a result, abnormal
volatility has been observed in international oil prices. Despite this
situation, the government has maintained a normal supply of all types of fuel
in the country by exploring all possible sources."
He further stated that fuel prices have
been kept unchanged in April, taking into account the livelihoods of the
general public and agricultural activities. To ensure diesel supply for
farmers, instructions have been given to deputy commissioners to issue
agricultural cards similar to irrigation cards.
















