The Government of Bangladesh has intensified its nationwide operations to curb the illegal stockpiling of fuel, resulting in the recovery of substantial quantities across the country. Between 3rd and 29th March, authorities conducted 3,168 raids across 64 districts, seizing a total of 208,650 litres of unlawfully stored fuel. In connection with these operations, 1,053 cases have been filed, of which 16 have already resulted in custodial sentences.
These figures were disclosed at a press conference held on Monday by the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources. The briefing was presented by Monir Hossain Chowdhury, Joint Secretary and spokesperson of the Department of Energy and Mineral Resources.
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Breakdown of Recovered Fuel
According to the department, the recovered fuel primarily comprised diesel, octane, and petrol. The financial penalties imposed on those involved in hoarding amounted to BDT 7.516 million. The detailed breakdown is as follows:
| Fuel Type | Quantity (Litres) | Fine Collected (BDT) |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 139,965 | 7,516,000 |
| Octane | 22,539 | Included above |
| Petrol | 46,146 | Included above |
Supply Status and Future Arrivals
Addressing concerns over potential supply shortages, the spokesperson clarified that regular shipments have maintained a healthy inventory. As of the end of March, there is a surplus of 133,000 tonnes of diesel. Two shipments carrying 54,600 tonnes are scheduled for 30th March and 3rd April, including 7,000 tonnes via pipeline from India. Additionally, nearly 150,000 tonnes of diesel are expected to arrive this month from China, Indonesia, and Singapore, ensuring adequate reserves and no risk of domestic scarcity.
Farmers are prioritised for diesel supply, coordinated through Upazila agricultural officers. So far, no district has reported supply complaints. Annually, only 6% of fuel supply is octane, whereas diesel constitutes 63%, highlighting that queues are largely for octane rather than diesel.
Pricing and International Procurement
Fuel prices are reviewed monthly, and proposals for price adjustments for the coming month are under evaluation, including the fiscal impact on government subsidies. The Department confirmed that, following the temporary 30-day relaxation of U.S. sanctions, Bangladesh plans to import six hundred thousand tonnes of diesel from Russia over the next two months. Further imports from India have already been discussed, and two shipments of 60,000 tonnes from Indonesia are anticipated shortly.
Beyond the Middle East, Bangladesh is actively negotiating fuel imports with Singapore, Malaysia, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Angola, Australia, and the United States. Discussions with Iran regarding the safe use of the Hormuz Strait for fuel shipments are ongoing, with a positive resolution expected soon.
Global Context and Domestic Measures
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has entered its fourth week, creating an unprecedented global fuel crisis. Countries including Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan have raised fuel prices by up to 25%.
Domestically, minor shortages have been caused by panic buying and illegal hoarding. Nevertheless, supplies in March remained uninterrupted, with some areas receiving 40% higher allocations, particularly during the Eid period. The government has mobilised district administrations and vigilance teams, appointed tag officers at all filling stations, and conducted briefings with police superintendents to ensure fuel security and promote conservation.
Through these coordinated measures, Bangladesh has effectively mitigated domestic fuel scarcity while simultaneously navigating global supply challenges.