State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said Wednesday in Jhenaidah that fuel prices in Bangladesh remain lower than in neighboring countries, making it difficult to prevent fuel smuggling.
He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after a meeting with government officials and local stakeholders at the Jhenaidah Deputy Commissioner’s conference room.
Anindya said the price gap with neighboring countries could make it difficult to prevent fuel smuggling.
“As there was no alternative, the government was forced to raise fuel prices,” he said.
The state minister said the government had no plans to increase fuel prices further. Rather, prices would be reduced if conditions allowed.
He said fuel prices would be adjusted once the Middle East crisis eased and international oil markets stabilized.
“If an opportunity arises, fuel prices will be reduced from their current levels,” he said.
Later, Anindya planted trees on the Jhenaidah district council premises.
Prime Minister’s Political Assistant Rashed Khan also spoke at the event, criticizing the activities of Jamaat-e-Islami.
He alleged that the party had transformed from an opposition force into an oppressor and was behaving in a “fascist” manner like the Awami League.
“The people will respond to this,” he said.