State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit has said the government is providing a subsidy of Tk167 crore per day on fuel to ease public suffering.
He made the remarks on Friday while speaking as the chief guest at a cheque distribution program for underprivileged people in Jessore.
The event was organized by the Department of Social Services at the deputy commissioner’s office conference room.
The state minister said the government is working to reduce public hardship and has not increased fuel prices despite global instability. He noted that any rise in fuel prices would push up electricity costs, transport fares and food prices.
Despite mounting pressure, the government has no plans to increase fuel prices and is ensuring that public suffering does not worsen by providing a daily subsidy of Tk167 crore, he added.
Claiming that the government has been able to meet the country’s fuel demand until April, he said concerns remain among many people regarding fuel supply. While around 80 countries worldwide have increased fuel prices, Bangladesh has maintained stable prices and ensured normal supply, though demand has risen significantly.
He said the average daily demand for diesel was around 12,000 tons, while petrol and octane demand ranged between 1,200 and 1,400 tons. Ahead of Eid, daily diesel supply increased to around 24,000–25,000 tons.
The government is working to ensure a 90-day fuel reserve for the future, he added, noting that the situation will continue to be managed despite challenges.
He further said ensuring a supportive environment for all citizens is the government’s responsibility. He recalled that social safety net programs were introduced in 1991 under then prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia and later expanded by successive governments.
Alleging that many deserving people were deprived over the past 15 years, he stressed that benefits should reach rightful recipients without political or religious bias.
The minister added that the government has started implementing its election pledges, including family cards, allowances for religious leaders, and plans to introduce farmer cards on Pohela Boishakh.
At the end of the program, cheques for one-time financial assistance were distributed among 153 underprivileged individuals.
The event was presided over by Jessore Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ashek Hasan. Among others present were Jessore Zila Parishad Administrator Delwar Hossain Khokon, Superintendent of Police Syed Rafiqul Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sujan Sarker, Press Club President Zahid Hasan Tukun, and Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services in Jessore Harun Or Rashid, who delivered the welcome speech.
