Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood -File photo

SANGSAD BHABAN, March 30, 2026 (BSS) – Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood today assured the nation that Bangladesh currently has no deficit of energy as the supply has increased this year compared to last year.

He also said that the government has taken comprehensive preparations to ensure uninterrupted energy supply in the country despite global uncertainty.

The minister clearly stated that there is no fuel shortage in Bangladesh at present and supply has actually increased compared to last year.

Making a statement under rules 300 of the Rules of Procedure in the House, he said the issue of fuel and energy is directly linked to national economic stability, industrial production, agriculture, transportation and the overall livelihood of the people, and therefore it is necessary to present the real situation before the country.

Iqbal urged the country’s people to cooperate with the government by avoiding unnecessary fuel purchases, preventing illegal hoarding, reducing energy wastage and reporting illegal storage or smuggling activities.

The minister also called for national unity and responsible behaviour, saying that unnecessary lighting, excessive electricity use and illegal fuel storage must be avoided.

“Fuel and energy security is a collective responsibility. If we remain united and disciplined, no global crisis can weaken Bangladesh,” he said.

He also urged citizens to place national interest above personal gains and thus work together to ensure energy stability and economic progress.

Iqbal said that the present government believes that the duty of the state is to stand beside people during crisis time and also to protect them.

“Under the current circumstances, we are trying our best to continue our livelihood, keep operational transportation, mills and factories, industrial production and educational activities…we want to keep this pace for which cooperation from people is very much needed,” he said.

The minister said the world is going through a volatile period due to international conflicts, geopolitical tensions, supply chain risks and uncertainty in fuel transportation, particularly in the Middle East, which has put pressure on global energy supply systems. 

The impact of this situation has also reached Bangladesh, but under the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government has taken timely and effective preparations to keep the energy supply normal.

He informed the House that when the government assumed office on February 17, 2026, diesel stock stood at 206,000 metric tons, and as of March 30, 2026, diesel stock increased to 218,000 metric tons. 

During the 41 days from February 17 to March 29, a total of more than 482,000 metric tons of diesel was sold, yet stock levels increased due to advance import and effective management, he added.

Iqbal said the government has taken advance measures to ensure smooth transportation, agricultural production, industrial operations and business activities ahead of the Holy Eid-ul-Fitr.

He added that based on March 2025 demand, the government ensured 10 to 25 percent additional fuel supply in March 2026 to prevent any crisis or artificial market pressure.

However, the minister expressed concern over panic buying and illegal hoarding of fuel, saying that abnormal purchasing behaviour by consumers is creating artificial pressure in the market.

He said last year’s daily diesel demand in March was around 12,000 metric tons, while petrol and octane demand ranged between 1,200 and 1,400 metric tons respectively. But this year, abnormal increases in fuel purchases have been observed in many areas, indicating hoarding tendencies rather than real demand growth.

“Fuel supply is adequate, but excessive purchases and illegal hoarding are creating artificial pressure,” he said.

The minister informed the House that the government has launched enforcement drives against illegal hoarding and fuel smuggling.

So far, some 3,168 mobile court drives have been conducted, 153 cases filed, fines were imposed, and 16 individuals sentenced to imprisonment. Authorities also seized 140,000 litres of diesel, 22,000 litres of octane and 23,000 litres of petrol.

He warned that the government will take stricter action against hoarders and smugglers in the interest of the public and national security.

The minister also said that fuel import arrangements have already been made to ensure supply continuity. In April, 50,000 metric tons of fuel (octane) will be imported under existing agreements, while an additional 30,000 metric tons will be sourced locally to meet demand for the coming months.

He highlighted that the government is maintaining stable fuel prices despite rising international market costs.

Currently, diesel is being sold at around Tk 100 per litre while the actual cost has risen significantly due to global price increases. Similarly, octane and petrol are being sold below international market rates, with the government bearing substantial subsidy to protect consumers.

“The government believes that in times of global crisis, the first responsibility of the state is to stand beside the people and ensure their protection,” he added.

Iqbal noted that many countries have declared energy emergencies and restricted industrial and educational activities due to fuel shortages, but Bangladesh has kept transportation, industries, agriculture, education and business activities running smoothly.

He urged all to cooperate with the government by avoiding unnecessary fuel purchases, preventing hoarding, reducing energy wastage and reporting illegal storage or smuggling activities.

“Fuel and energy security is a collective responsibility. If we remain united and disciplined, no global crisis can weaken Bangladesh,” he said.

He finally urged all to place national interest above personal gain and work together to ensure energy stability and economic progress.