The State Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources, Anindya Islam Amit, has affirmed that the country is not experiencing any shortage of fuel, and there are currently no plans to raise prices. Speaking on Tuesday, 10 March, at the Secretariat, he sought to reassure the public amid reports of long queues at petrol stations.
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Fuel Supply Remains Adequate
“The nation has never faced a fuel crisis, and there is no such situation now,” the minister said. He highlighted that the government is taking all necessary steps to maintain uninterrupted fuel and electricity supplies, particularly during the forthcoming Ramadan and Eid festivals.
He attributed the recent congestion at petrol stations primarily to public anxiety rather than an actual lack of fuel. Motorcycles and private cars, which predominantly use petrol and octane, form the majority of vehicles waiting at pumps. “Both petrol and octane are largely refined domestically. There is no shortage of these fuels. Only diesel and furnace oil rely significantly on imports,” he explained.
Public Concerns Driving Demand
According to the minister, fear of potential shortages or future price increases has led some consumers to purchase fuel in advance. “This preemptive buying has created temporary crowds at petrol stations, but supply has not been interrupted at any location,” he added. He assured that prices remain stable, and public concern is expected to diminish with time.
Recent Fuel Arrivals
The current status of fuel shipments is as follows:
| Date | Vessel Status | Quantity (Tonnes) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 March | Arrived | 30,000 | Unloading in progress |
| 10 March | Outer Anchorage | 30,000 | Expected to unload by afternoon |
| 12 March | Scheduled Arrival | TBD | Additional fuel supply |
In response to questions on imports from India, the minister confirmed that under a pipeline agreement, an average of 15,000 tonnes of fuel is delivered monthly. A substantial portion has already been received, with the remainder arriving continuously. “This agreement is renewed annually and is currently active, ensuring uninterrupted supply,” he said.
Government Commitment
Reiterating the government’s stance, Amit stated: “There is no fuel shortage now, nor has there been in the past. Every effort is being made to ensure the people have consistent access to fuel and electricity, especially during major festivals.”