Govt to ensure three months’ stock of fuel: State Minister

The government is working to ensure a three-month stock of all types of fuel amid the ongoing global energy crisis, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said on Sunday.

“We have identified new sources and signed agreements with several suppliers. If implemented, we are ready to procure fuel for the next three months,” he said while talking to reporters at Secretariat.

Bangladesh has already taken preparation to secure fuel supply particularly diesel from alternative sources after some international suppliers declared force measure due to the global situation, he said.

The government has already ensured three months’ supply of petrol and octane while preparations are complete to meet April’s diesel demand, he added.

Most of the country’s fuel demand is being met without disruption, said the state minister.

“Currently, long queues at filling stations are seen mainly for octane and diesel. Octane accounts for about 6 percent of total demand and petrol another 6 percent—meaning 12 percent in total.

The remaining 88 percent demand is being met normally,” he said.

If everyone uses fuel according to their actual needs there will be no long queues at filling stations, he said.

However, he acknowledged that some irregularities have been reported in some areas and the government is taking action to address them.

The government has held virtual meetings with deputy commissioners of all 64 districts to ensure coordinated efforts in fuel distribution, said the state minister.

“If there are any shortcomings on the part of BPC or its subsidiaries—Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna—steps are being taken to correct them and make the supply system smoother so that public suffering is reduced and people act responsibly," he said.

The minister said the government is also focusing on increasing fuel storage capacity.

“This type of crisis could be prolonged. Even after the war ends its effects may linger for some time. That is why we are planning a three-month fuel reserve. In the case of diesel, a major issue is storage capacity.

“Bringing fuel is not enough, we must also expand storage facilities. Unused storage capacities of government organsations like BADC and Bangladesh Railway as well as private sector power plants may be utilised if needed,” said the minister.