Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, has said that despite having sufficient fuel stock in the country, a sudden surge in demand has created temporary pressure at fuel pumps.
He made the remarks on the first working day after the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays on Tuesday at the Secretariat while explaining the ongoing situation regarding fuel supply.
Speaking to journalists, the minister said there is no shortage of fuel in the country. However, people have started buying more fuel than necessary, causing pumps to run out of stock earlier than usual.
State Minister for Power and Energy, Anindya Islam Amit, was also present at the time.
Urging people to be economical, the minister said fuel supply would remain normal if people refrain from excessive purchases. “Everyone will get fuel as needed; there is no reason to panic,” he added.
Tuku further said that the tendency to buy fuel has increased abnormally in recent times, putting pressure on the supply system. “We are repeatedly saying that there is enough fuel and everyone will get it. But due to excessive buying, pumps are running out earlier, which is creating unnecessary panic among the العامة,” he said.
Raising a question, the minister said, “During Eid, millions of people traveled home. Did transport services stop anywhere due to fuel shortages? Eid passed smoothly. This proves there is no real crisis—rather, it is people’s behavior that is creating this situation.”
He added that Bangladesh is not self-sufficient in fuel production and depends largely on imports. Global instability also affects the market. “Various uncertainties are ongoing around the world, so we all need to be economical,” he said.
Regarding a possible increase in fuel prices, the minister said that the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission determines fuel prices, and the government has not yet taken any decision to increase them.