Desk Report:
While making a statement under Rule 300 in the National Parliament on Monday (March 30, 2026) on the existing gas and energy reserves and supply situation and future plans, Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said that it is important to present the issue of advance preparation and planning of Bangladesh’s gas and energy reserves and supply to the countrymen even amidst the global unstable situation (especially in the Gulf and Central Asia). This statement is to ensure that no section can create anxiety among the public by creating various kinds of confusion.
The minister told the parliament that international conflicts, geopolitical tensions, risks to the supply system and uncertainty in energy transportation have all created an uncomfortable situation in the global market. Especially the tensions in the Middle East have put pressure on the energy supply system around the world. Its impact has reached Bangladesh like in many other countries.
The minister said, in this situation, we have kept the fuel oil supply system operational and are working relentlessly to ensure the comfort of the people. He said, so far there is no shortage of fuel in Bangladesh, on the contrary, we have increased the supply more than last year. We have ensured more supply this year than the amount of fuel oil we sold at this time last year. As of March 30, the total stock of diesel in the country is 218 thousand metric tons. The increase in stock despite such a huge sale proves that the government has continued to maintain the supply system firmly through advance preparation, continuous import and effective management. He said, we have made arrangements for additional supply of fuel oil from 10 percent to 25 percent in March 2026, based on the demand of March 2025.
The minister mentioned that 63% of our total fuel used is diesel, the supply of which is normal. That is, only 6.08% of the total fuel used is octane and 6.77% is petrol. Long lines at filling stations for fuel supply do not reflect the true picture. This crisis has been artificially created due to the tendency to hoard fuel by collecting more than needed. The government is trying to overcome this crisis. He added that the government has taken the initiative to import 50,000 metric tons of octane in April as per the already signed agreement to maintain the normal supply of octane along with diesel. In addition, another 30,000 metric tons of octane will be available from domestic sources.
The minister said that even amidst the global crisis, the government has not increased the price of fuel. In many countries of the world, fuel prices have had to be adjusted repeatedly. Even in many neighboring countries, prices have increased by more than 25 percent; there, the Bangladesh government has kept the price stable by prioritizing the interests of the people.
