Bangladesh increasing fuel imports from multiple countries: Shama Obaed

Bangladesh is increasing fuel imports from multiple countries to avoid any supply disruption despite mounting pressure from Middle East tensions, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said.

Speaking to reporters at the foreign ministry on Tuesday, she said fuel shipments are expected from Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia and Indonesia.

 “I understand more oil will arrive in April. Supplies are coming from Saudi Arabia, will come from India, and are expected from Malaysia and Indonesia. These are all being processed,” she said.

Her remarks came on a day when the Energy and Mineral Resources Division said there was no fuel crisis in the country.

Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, long queues have been seen at petrol pumps in recent days, raising concerns over supply.

However, Joint Secretary Monir Hossain Chowdhury said Bangladesh currently has around 192,000 tonnes of fuel in stock and ruled out any shortage.

The government is also considering extending weekly holidays at educational institutions and offices to save energy.

Against this backdrop, the state minister said her ministry is working closely with the energy ministry to secure imports from alternative sources.

She said Bangladesh has held “productive discussions” with Malaysia and Indonesia and already has a memorandum of understanding with Malaysia signed last year.

 “We are making every effort to diversify our energy sources,” she said.

The minister said efforts are under way to secure fuel from alternative suppliers as imports from some sources have been affected by the war.

 “As far as I know, there is still no fuel crisis,” she said.

Referring to remarks by State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku in parliament, she said authorities suspect some traders are stockpiling fuel to create an artificial shortage.

 “There is no real shortage. We must be cautious in consumption and ensure future supplies so that the economy does not come under pressure,” she said.

Replying to a question on imports from the United States, she said Bangladesh is exploring all possible sources, including the US, Russia, India, Indonesia and Malaysia.

 “Wherever we can secure supplies easily, we are making arrangements, keeping the economy and people in mind,” she said.