The Energy and Mineral Resources Division on Wednesday alleged that rumours about a fuel shortage are being deliberately spread in an attempt to create panic and an artificial sense of crisis, insisting that the country has sufficient stocks of petroleum products and no risk of supply disruption.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat, Energy and Mineral Resources Division Spokesperson and Joint Secretary (Operations) Monir Hossain Chowdhury said recent reports published by a few media outlets regarding fuel oil and natural gas had created unnecessary confusion among the public.
"Some media outlets have published reports regarding our fuel oil and natural gas supplies. We believe it is important to present the actual situation so that people are not misled by rumours or misinformation," he said.
He said Bangladesh currently has ample fuel reserves, with diesel stocks sufficient for around 31 days, octane for 36 days, petrol for 20 days, furnace oil for 25 days and jet fuel for 20 days.
"These reserves are well above the normal operational requirement. Our supply chain remains fully functional, and there will be no problem meeting demand throughout July and August," he added.
Monir said the government is working to gradually increase the country's fuel reserve capacity to 45 days, then 60 days, and eventually to 90 days.
He also said another 180,000 tonnes of diesel are expected to arrive by July 31, while an additional 240,000 tonnes will be imported in August.
"We have adequate stocks, and there is no cause for concern. There is no shortage of any other petroleum products either," he said.