Amid concerns over a possible fuel shortage in the country, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has said that Bangladesh’s fuel reserves will increase with the arrival of two fuel-laden ships.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion organised by the Uttaranchal Chhatra Forum at the National Press Club on Sunday afternoon.
The minister said one ship anchored at around 11am, while another vessel was scheduled to arrive at noon.
“After these two ships arrive, the country’s fuel reserves will increase further,” he said.
However, he urged the public to use fuel sparingly due to the ongoing war situation and said the government would continue the current rationing system for the time being.
“If you go to petrol pumps, you will see long queues. As the war continues and refineries in many places are being hit by bomb attacks, we have asked people to use the available reserves economically,” he said. “For this reason, rationing has been introduced.”
He added that the government does not know how long the conflict will last and that the measures were taken as a precaution.
Responding to criticism over the energy situation, the minister said the current government had inherited a fragile economic condition and soon after taking office had to face the impact of a war in the Middle East, which directly affects global energy supplies.
“We found a fragile situation. I had to take responsibility in an economy burdened with debt. Meanwhile, the war began, and I have to answer to the people every day,” he said.
He also urged the public not to spread rumours about a possible increase in fuel prices.
“The opposition has created panic by claiming that fuel prices will rise because of the war. But we want to assure people that there is no plan to increase fuel prices at this moment. There is no need to hoard fuel in panic,” the minister said.
He added that the government is taking necessary steps to ensure a stable fuel supply across the country.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
