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The Energy and Mineral Resources Division has dismissed reports of a fuel crisis, despite the reality on the ground where vehicle queues stretch for kilometres.
Energy division’s Joint Secretary Monir Hossain Chowdhury claimed in a press conference at the Secretariat on Tuesday that there was no fuel crisis, reports bdnews24.com.
"We assured you in March that we had no crisis. A day before April, I’m telling you that there will be no problem, God willing," he said.
On Monday, the joint secretary said the country holds sufficient petroleum reserves to meet demands.
The country currently has a total stock of 192,919 tonnes of petrol, diesel, octane and jet fuel, according to the energy division.
Of the accumulated amount, there are 128,939 tonnes of diesel, 7,940 tonnes of octane, 11,431 tonnes of petrol and 44,609 tonnes of jet fuel.
On Tuesday, pump owners said they want to stop selling petrol and octane at night due to "concerns over security and unrest".
Monir told the press that the government will come up with a decision whether or not the prices of fuel will be hiked in the evening.
About the proposal to have extra weekly holidays in government and private offices and educational institutions, he said a discussion in this regard among relevant ministries is under way.
He urged for a frugal use of fuel.
On the crisis at refuelling stations, he said: “The reason for the long lines at the pumps is the ‘psychological issues’ of the customers.”
The government, according to him, has jailed 19 people for illegal hoarding of fuel since the beginning of the nationwide crackdown.
Raids conducted by the authorities against fuel hoarding also resulted in Tk 8.45 million fine and 1,244 cases. Authorities also seized 207,365 litres of diesel, 28,938 litres of petrol, and 60 litres of oil.
"The government has issued instructions at the borders to check this [smuggling]," he said.
Bangladesh has taken a number of measures to tackle the ongoing fuel crisis driven by the Iran war.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Mar 25 held a special meeting on measures to address the situation.
Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on the same day ruled out any major fuel crisis but acknowledged "panic buying" is putting authorities under pressure.