The government is set to announce a revised pricing structure for petroleum products today, Tuesday (31 March), following a comprehensive review of prevailing domestic and international market conditions. The development was confirmed by Monir Hossain Chowdhury, spokesperson for the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, during a press briefing held at the Secretariat on Monday (30 March).
Officials indicated that the decision will take into account fluctuations in global crude oil prices, exchange rate pressures, and the government’s ongoing efforts to balance fiscal sustainability with consumer affordability. The move forms part of a broader strategy to stabilise the energy sector while ensuring uninterrupted supply across key economic segments.
According to the spokesperson, Bangladesh currently maintains a comfortable reserve of fuel, particularly diesel, which constitutes the backbone of the country’s energy consumption. As of 30 March, government storage facilities held approximately 133,000 metric tonnes of diesel. This reserve is considered sufficient to meet immediate demand without exerting pressure on the supply chain.
In addition, procurement arrangements for roughly 150,000 metric tonnes of diesel imports for the month of April have already been finalised. This forward planning is expected to further reinforce supply stability in the coming weeks, effectively minimising the risk of any fuel shortages.
Energy officials also noted that the consumption patterns of other petroleum products, such as octane and petrol, remain significantly lower than diesel. This comparatively modest demand simplifies inventory management and distribution logistics, allowing authorities to focus primarily on maintaining diesel availability.
Data from the Energy Division suggests that diesel accounts for approximately 63 per cent of the country’s total fuel consumption. Its dominant role is largely attributed to its extensive use in agricultural irrigation systems and the public transport sector, including buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles. Consequently, ensuring a stable price and consistent supply of diesel remains a top policy priority for the government.
Industry analysts believe that the forthcoming price adjustment will reflect a delicate balancing act. On one hand, authorities are keen to shield consumers and businesses from sharp price increases; on the other, they must manage the fiscal burden associated with fuel subsidies, which can strain public finances if global prices remain volatile.
The current fuel situation is summarised below:
| Category | Data/Status |
|---|---|
| Existing diesel stock | 133,000 metric tonnes |
| Planned April diesel imports | ~150,000 metric tonnes |
| Share of diesel in total demand | প্রায় 63% |
| প্রধান ব্যবহার ক্ষেত্র | Agriculture, public transport |
| Octane and petrol demand | Relatively low |
Overall, the anticipated price revision is expected to reflect both global energy market realities and domestic economic priorities. The government’s primary objective remains to maintain a stable and reliable fuel supply while minimising adverse impacts on inflation and economic activity.