The Government of Bangladesh is currently providing a daily subsidy of approximately 16.7 billion taka on fuel oil in order to ease public hardship and stabilise essential commodity prices, according to the State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Anindya Islam Amit.
He disclosed the figure while addressing a programme in Jessore on Friday at midday, where financial assistance cheques were distributed among underprivileged and vulnerable individuals. The event was organised as part of broader social welfare initiatives aimed at supporting economically disadvantaged citizens.
Speaking as the chief guest, the State Minister emphasised that the government is working to reduce public suffering amid ongoing volatility in global energy markets. He noted that despite international instability and rising fuel costs in many countries, Bangladesh has refrained from increasing domestic fuel prices.
“The government is committed to easing the burden on people’s lives,” he said. “Even in the face of global pressure, we have not increased fuel prices. Any rise in fuel costs directly impacts electricity generation, public transport fares, and food prices. Despite these pressures, there are no current plans to raise fuel prices.”
He further highlighted concerns regarding rising fuel demand and supply management within the country. According to him, around 80 countries worldwide have already adjusted fuel prices upward due to global market conditions, whereas Bangladesh has maintained price stability while ensuring uninterrupted supply.
Fuel demand and supply overview
| Category | Previous Average Demand | Recent Supply Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel (daily) | 12,000 metric tonnes | 24,000–25,000 metric tonnes (pre-Eid period) |
| Petrol & Octane (daily) | 1,200–1,400 metric tonnes | Managed according to increased seasonal demand |
| Fuel policy | No price increase | Stable pricing maintained |
The minister explained that fuel demand typically rises sharply during peak periods such as the Eid season, requiring significantly higher distribution volumes. He added that despite such fluctuations, the government has successfully maintained uninterrupted supply chains to avoid disruption in transport, electricity generation, and essential services.
Turning to social safety net programmes, Mr Amit referred to the historical development of welfare initiatives in Bangladesh. He stated that social protection schemes were first introduced in 1991 under the leadership of the then Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, aimed at supporting marginalised communities. He acknowledged that subsequent governments have expanded both the number of beneficiaries and the value of allowances over time.
However, he also claimed that many genuinely deserving individuals were excluded from welfare coverage during the previous 15-year period of governance under the Awami League, suggesting gaps in beneficiary selection and distribution mechanisms.
The minister further stated that the current administration has begun implementing a series of electoral commitments focused on expanding social protection and improving service delivery. Among these initiatives are the introduction of a “family card” programme, the provision of financial honorariums for religious leaders, and plans to launch a “farmer card” scheme during the upcoming Pahela Baishakh period.
He stressed that strengthening social cohesion requires both state intervention and community responsibility. According to him, if citizens actively uphold mutual responsibility within families and society, the number of economically vulnerable groups could be significantly reduced over time.
“The responsibility for supporting disadvantaged groups does not rest solely with the state,” he said. “Social solidarity, alongside government programmes, is essential for building an inclusive society.”
At the conclusion of the programme, the chief guest formally distributed one-off financial assistance cheques to 153 destitute and disadvantaged individuals, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to provide immediate relief to those in need.